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

This chromolithograph of a Tomcod, part of Allen & Ginter's series for cigarette cards, is a fantastic example of industrial printing meeting everyday life. The process of chromolithography involved using multiple stone plates, each inked with a different color. This allowed for mass production of images with a relatively high degree of detail and color accuracy. The technique, while innovative, was labor-intensive, requiring skilled artisans to prepare the stones and oversee the printing process. The card's smooth, coated surface enhances the vibrancy of the colors, making the fish and the boys fishing visually appealing, enticing consumers to purchase the cigarettes. These cards, included in cigarette packs, transformed mundane objects into collectible items, blurring the lines between advertising, art, and consumer culture. Ultimately, "Tomcod" isn't just a picture of a fish; it's a window into the intersection of labor, industry, and leisure in late 19th-century America.