Switzerland, from the Races of Mankind series (T181) issued by Abdul Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the world of 19th-centuryhemera with *Switzerland*, a vibrant chromolithograph from the *Races of Mankind series (T181), by Abdul Cigarettes in 1881. This tiny collectible card, measuring just 2 3/8 × 1 3/8 inches, captures the ethnographic fascination of the era, likely portraying Swiss women in traditional attire represent national identity. Produced as inserts in cigarette packs, these cards were wildly popular trade stimulants, encouraging smokers to collect full sets. Chromolithography, the medium here, revolutionized commercial printing by enabling vivid, multi-color images at scale—perfect for mass appeal. Though diminutive, the technique showcases precise layering of colors for lifelike detail, blending artistry with advertising savvy. Such series reflected Victorian-era anthropology, often idealizing "races" through romanticized stereotypes, offering a window into evolving global perceptions. Today, this gem resides in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, a treasure trove of over 30,000 cards gifted by the avid collector. It reminds us how everyday objects like cigarette cards preserved cultural snapshots, bridging art, commerce, and curiosity.

About the Artist

Abdul Cigarettes · 1881–1881

Abdul Cigarettes, an enigmatic American entity active solely in 1881, stands as a fascinating footnote in the history of commercial art, best known for producing vibrant chromolithograph trade cards inserted into cigarette packages as promotional inserts. Little is documented about its origins or personnel, suggesting it operated as a short-lived publishing venture rather than the work of a singul...