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

This lithograph of a fox, part of Allen & Ginter's "Quadrupeds" series, presents us with an animal steeped in symbolic weight, captured for a cigarette card. The fox, with its cunning gaze and sly demeanor, has long been a symbol of trickery and intelligence. Across cultures, from Aesop's fables to Japanese folklore, the fox embodies both cleverness and deceit. Observe how the fox's furtive posture echoes through history, resurfacing in various forms, even within religious texts. The animal, often seen as a spirit animal, reflects our own subconscious desires and fears. It’s a reminder of the hidden aspects of our nature, the parts we might prefer to keep in the shadows. This image taps into the primal connection we share with the animal kingdom, stirring something ancient within us. The fox, immortalized on this cigarette card, serves as a potent reminder of the enduring power of symbols and their ability to bridge time, cultures, and the depths of human consciousness.