United States, from the National Flags series (N195) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co.

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century American ephemera with *United States, from the National Flags series (N195)*, a petite commercial color lithograph produced William S. Kimball & in 1891. just 3 11/16 × 2 3/8 inches, this trimmed card captures the Stars and Stripes in bold, patriotic hues, part of a popular series that showcased flags from nations around the globe. Tobacco companies like Kimball, a prominent cigar manufacturer, issued these collectibles as inserts in their products, blending advertising savvy with educational appeal during the Gilded Age—a time of booming industry, nationalism, and global curiosity. Chromolithography, the medium here, revolutionized mass printing by layering vibrant colors through multiple stone plates, making high-quality images affordable and accessible. This technique democratized art, turning everyday items like trading cards into miniature cultural treasures that fostered collecting hobbies and national pride. As ephemera, it reflects how commerce intertwined with identity, offering a snapshot of America's place on the world stage. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, this piece comes from The Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, a legendary gift that preserves thousands of such humble yet historically rich artifacts. It's a delightful reminder of how small prints sparked big imaginations.

About the Artist

William S. Kimball & Company · 1850–1950

**William S. Kimball & Company**, a pioneering American tobacco manufacturer, was established in 1846 in Rochester, New York, by William S. Kimball and James C. Hart. The firm quickly grew into one of the city's largest employers, particularly of women, producing popular brands like Peerless chewing tobacco, Rigatta and Fireside smoking tobacco, and Vanity Fair cigarettes. Under Kimball's leadersh...