Bloodhound, from the Quadrupeds series (N21) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This is “Bloodhound,” a lithograph from the Quadrupeds series made by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette packs. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, were designed to stiffen cigarette packs and served as a form of advertisement. While seemingly innocuous, the image of the bloodhound carries a fraught history. Bred for their acute sense of smell, bloodhounds were historically used to track enslaved people who had escaped plantations. Their docile demeanor belies a dark past, one deeply intertwined with racial oppression and the denial of freedom. The bloodhound’s role in enforcing slavery is a stark reminder of how animals, too, can be implicated in systems of power and control. Here, the bloodhound’s lowered head suggests a relentless pursuit, echoing its historical role. By placing this image on a collectible card, Allen & Ginter normalized and perhaps even celebrated the dog’s association with tracking humans. This card is a reminder of the painful and ongoing legacies of slavery and racial injustice.