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

This chromolithograph of a zebra belongs to a series produced by Allen & Ginter for cigarette cards. Here, the zebra’s distinct stripes immediately capture our attention. In antiquity, stripes were often used to denote the exotic and untamed. Consider how, across different cultures, striped patterns have appeared on figures of deities or mythical creatures, symbolizing chaos or primal energy. Yet, here, the zebra is presented in a somewhat domesticated manner, as if to be tamed for the purpose of display and trade. The zebra's display, almost like a trophy, evokes a deep psychological tension. There is a recurring motif in human history: the desire to classify, control, and profit from the natural world. This tension reflects our complex relationship with nature, which oscillates between respect and exploitation. The zebra, in its captivating stripes, remains a potent symbol of these complex, ever-evolving dialogues.