Weakfish, from Fish from American Waters series (N39) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1889

This small card, printed by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette packs, features a “Weakfish” from their “Fish from American Waters” series. The composition is neatly divided into three distinct registers: an isolated fish floats above its name, set above fishermen in a boat, all bordered with an ornamental design. Observe how the artist uses framing to create a taxonomy of experience: the fish isolated against a pale aquamarine becomes an object of study, while below, fishermen are pictured in action on choppy seas. Here, the artist presents nature as both an object of scientific curiosity and a resource for human consumption. The structure establishes a hierarchy. The ornamental flourish to the right adds an element of artifice, reminding us this is a carefully constructed image, not an objective slice of reality. This card, therefore, presents a complex interplay between nature, commerce, and representation. The ornamental flourish, however, makes one question the values and power structures which inform our understanding of the natural world.