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

Allen & Ginter's 'Tarpon' is part of the 'Fish from American Waters' series. The card’s composition is divided horizontally, creating distinct zones of experience. Above, the soft hues of the sky and the shimmering water suggest a serene, boundless space. A steamboat sits on the horizon, anchoring the scene with a suggestion of human presence and technological progress. The Tarpon is presented against a pale backdrop, framed as a specimen of nature. The fish is rendered with meticulous detail, capturing its texture and form. The composition invites us to consider the relationship between the natural world and human activity. The tension here lies in how the Tarpon is both a subject of scientific interest and an object of commercial value. This tension reflects a broader cultural ambivalence towards nature during this period. The card becomes more than just an image; it's a signifier of a complex network of meanings related to science, commerce, and the natural world.