Back to Results
In an effort to compete in a crowded market, cigar makers in the late 19th century made high-quality color lithographic prints to adorn their boxes. Beautiful women, public figures, and in this case, architectural monuments were used in these promotional images. The Capitol, an official-looking document, laurel branches, and a U.S. flag are rendered in full color and accented with embossed gold on this label in the service of attracting potential buyers of “Congress Perfecto” cigars.
History, Art & Archives, U.S. House of Representatives, “Congress Perfectos Cigar Box Label,” https://history.house.gov/Collection/Listing/2007/2007-074-000/ (January 18, 2021)
Office of the Historian
Office of Art and Archives
Attic, Thomas Jefferson Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 226-1300
