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

"Grouper" is a chromolithograph from the "Fish from American Waters" series of trading cards issued by Allen & Ginter in 1889. The card features a detailed depiction of a grouper fish, a common species found in North American waters. The image is characteristic of the Victorian era's fascination with natural history and scientific illustration. The inclusion of a mermaid holding a trident adds a whimsical and fantastical element to the card, further enhancing its visual appeal. This card, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, is a valuable artifact of 19th-century American culture and the marketing strategies of the time.