Porcupine, from Quadrupeds series (N41) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This is a card featuring a porcupine, created by Allen & Ginter for their Cigarettes "Quadrupeds series", which probably dates to the late 19th century. Trading cards like this were often included in cigarette packs, serving as both a collectible item and a form of advertising. The porcupine image, set within a vignette of exotic flora, speaks to the era's fascination with natural history and exploration. The choice of a porcupine, an animal both familiar and somewhat strange, is suggestive of the growing interest in scientific classification and the display of natural wonders, particularly those from distant lands. The commercial context of this artwork is telling. It reflects how consumer culture and emerging advertising strategies could shape popular knowledge and perceptions of the natural world. By studying trade catalogues, company records, and the broader media landscape of the time, we can better understand the social conditions that gave rise to this image and its role in shaping public imagination.