Life — June 29, 1916 — page 39: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a magazine advertisement for Rameses cigarettes, marketed as "The Aristocrat of Cigarettes." The imagery uses Egyptian temple architecture and imagery to create an exotic, luxurious brand identity. The prominent banner states "NOBODY EVER CHANGES from RAMESES," suggesting brand loyalty. The product is shown in packaging labeled as made by Stephano Bros. in Philadelphia, containing "Venidge Turkish Tobacco." Text indicates availability "IN TENS, TWENTIES and WEEK END TINS." This appears to be straightforward early-to-mid 20th century cigarette marketing, using orientalist imagery to convey sophistication and exclusivity. Modern readers should note this predates widespread health warnings about smoking and represents an era when tobacco advertising appeared freely in mainstream magazines.