Plymouth Rock, from the Prize and Game Chickens series (N20) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1891

This small chromolithograph, made by Allen & Ginter, was one of a series of images of prize chickens included in cigarette packs. It is made from paper and ink. The lithographic process enabled mass production, making images like this affordable and widely available. Look closely, and you can appreciate the way that color has been built up with layers of lithographic stones. Note how the image of the chicken is so detailed and the layers of print create tonality, volume, and depth. These cards reflect the social context of the late 19th century, marked by industrialization, mass production, and consumer culture. They also speak to leisure pursuits, like the keeping of fowl, which was a popular hobby. Ultimately, understanding the materials, processes, and context helps us see beyond the surface of the artwork and appreciate its full significance. It challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, inviting us to consider the value and meaning embedded in everyday objects.