Opossum, from the Wild Animals of the World series (N25) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This is a card from the "Wild Animals of the World" series, crafted by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette packs, a popular marketing tactic of the late 19th century. These cards were more than just promotional items. In a rapidly industrializing world, they served as windows onto a vanishing natural world, often exoticized and framed through a Western lens. Look at the Opossum. The animal is presented as a specimen, devoid of its own agency and ecological context. The use of such images also implicitly underscored a narrative of dominance, subtly reinforcing notions of racial and cultural superiority. These collectible cards helped to frame the world for consumers, shaping perceptions of nature, culture, and identity. Consider how these images impacted people's understanding of the world. They carry a legacy of both wonder and exploitation.