Crow's Breast, Gros Ventres, from the American Indian Chiefs series (N2) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

Editor: Here we have a colored pencil drawing called "Crow's Breast, Gros Ventres," made around 1888, part of a series for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. It's striking how meticulously rendered the portrait is, almost photographic, yet… slightly stiff, perhaps? What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Well, it's vital to consider the context: these weren't intended as high art, but as collectable cards included in cigarette packs. This image, like others in the series, participates in the late 19th-century cultural fascination with, and simultaneously the othering of, Indigenous people. Consider how the commercial nature of these cards shapes the representation. What public image of Native Americans do you think this card is trying to convey to its target audience? Editor: I see what you mean. There's a sense of nobility perhaps, even a kind of exoticism. But selling cigarettes… doesn’t quite fit. Is it appropriative to use Crow's Breast image to boost brand recognition? Curator: Absolutely. The use of his image without consent, turning him into a marketing tool, reflects a power dynamic deeply rooted in colonialism. The cigarette company profited directly from associating their product with this image, likely reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Were they genuinely interested in celebrating Crow’s Breast’s heritage or primarily in selling more cigarettes through exploitation? Editor: It’s disheartening to view it like that. The art style, though technically proficient, is almost secondary to the message it conveyed and the purpose it served. It reminds me of the role popular imagery played in shaping public opinion. Curator: Precisely. By recognizing these historical dynamics, we can become more critical viewers and understand the political work that images do. Even within seemingly innocuous pieces. Editor: I didn't anticipate such a complex, layered history within a cigarette card. I guess it’s a stark reminder of how commercial enterprises often intersect with cultural representations, with potentially exploitative undertones. Thanks for bringing this perspective to light.