Giraffe, from Quadrupeds series (N41) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This ‘Giraffe’ print was produced by Allen & Ginter for their Quadrupeds series of cigarette cards. These small chromolithographs, printed using multiple stones to build up layers of color, were originally packaged with tobacco products. What might seem like a simple collectable was in fact a product of complex industrial processes. The image would have started as an original painting, then been translated into separate printing plates by teams of skilled engravers. The labor involved in creating these cards underscores their connection to the wider social issues of mass production and consumption. The card is an intriguing object, reflecting both an interest in natural history and a clear effort to promote sales. The giraffe is rendered with a degree of realism, set against an exotic backdrop. Yet it is framed by an archway, complete with a crown and chains, which evoke images of captivity. It is through understanding the materials, the making, and the commercial context that we can fully appreciate the layers of meaning embedded within this artwork.