Crested Malimbus, from the Song Birds of the World series (N42) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

Editor: This is "Crested Malimbus," a watercolor and print from 1890, part of Allen & Ginter's "Song Birds of the World" series. The bird itself is quite striking with its vibrant red and blue plumage. What strikes me most is its sort of disjointed composition with the advertisement on one side. How do you interpret this work, especially considering its origin as a cigarette card? Curator: Well, it's impossible to separate the artwork from its origins, isn't it? The commodification of nature as embodied by this bird being packaged with a dangerous, addictive product like cigarettes is troubling. It reflects a late 19th-century mindset where the natural world was ripe for exploitation and consumption. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way, but it makes perfect sense. So, even this small image carries a lot of cultural baggage? Curator: Absolutely. And look at the style—notice the influence of Japonisme? The flattened perspective, the decorative quality. This was a deliberate aesthetic choice. This wasn't just about selling cigarettes; it was about aligning the brand with sophistication and globalism, creating aspirational value for its consumers while quietly normalizing an unhealthy habit. Editor: The Japonisme influence is so interesting in this context. Did people recognize that at the time? Curator: The intended consumer likely didn't dissect it using art historical terminology, but these visuals operated on a subconscious level. It’s a testament to the power of visual language to shape perceptions and desires. Think about how advertising still does that today. Editor: That's given me so much to consider about consumerism. Thanks so much. Curator: The pleasure is all mine. Examining art with a critical eye to cultural values can open new windows for social discourse.