Swintern's Love-bird, from Birds of the Tropics series (N38) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1889

This is "Swintern's Love-bird," a lithograph created by Allen & Ginter for their series of cigarette cards called "Birds of the Tropics." These cards were produced during a time of expanding global trade and heightened interest in exotic cultures. The late 19th century saw the rise of consumer culture, with products like cigarettes using images of the “exotic” to enhance their appeal. While seemingly harmless, this romanticized view of the tropics often masked the realities of colonial exploitation and the environmental impact of resource extraction. The image of the lovebirds evokes a sense of harmony and idealized nature. Yet, the very act of capturing and commodifying this image speaks to a complex relationship between humans and the natural world, raising questions about the power dynamics inherent in representation. What do you think about the ethics of using nature to sell commercial products?