King of the Crows, Crow, from the American Indian Chiefs series (N2) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

This chromolithograph, "King of the Crows, Crow," was created by Allen & Ginter as part of a series for cigarette brands. Its small scale belies the complex interplay of form and representation within. Notice how the subject fills the frame, his gaze direct and unwavering. The artist employs a tight composition, focusing on the head and shoulders, inviting an intimate encounter. The color palette is rich, with earthy tones contrasting against the bright beads and textiles. This juxtaposition serves to emphasize the sitter’s presence and status. The portrait can be interpreted as a signifier of cultural encounter, a symbolic reduction of a person into a collectable commodity. The structural elements - the sharp lines defining the face, the ornate details of the jewelry, and the textured background - converge to create a visual statement about power, representation, and the commodification of identity. This tension leaves us to reflect on the historical and cultural dynamics encoded within this seemingly simple image.