Aardvark, from the Wild Animals of the World series (N25) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This is a lithograph of an Aardvark from the Wild Animals of the World series, made for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. Printed on thin paper, the image has a pointillist feel, achieved by layering tiny dots of color. While it mimics the look of fine art, the print was created in the context of mass-produced advertising. The original artwork would have been mechanically reproduced and included in cigarette packs as a promotional item. The image is a product of the late 19th century's fascination with exotic wildlife. It also illustrates the era’s increasing consumer culture. The company Allen & Ginter was an early adopter of using trade cards to promote their products, inserting these into cigarette packs. These cards were collectible and provided a small, tangible incentive to purchase particular brands of cigarettes. So, next time you see an image like this, consider not just the subject, but the circumstances of its production and the hands that brought it into being.