Blue Bunting, from the Birds of America series (N37) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

"Blue Bunting", from the "Birds of America" series (N37) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes, is a chromolithograph printed in 1888. This small-format card features a vibrant illustration of a blue bunting perched on a branch amidst blooming flowers. The card is part of a larger series produced by Allen & Ginter, a tobacco company that distributed these cards as trade items with their cigarettes. This series, known as "Birds of America," was designed to increase interest in the company's products. The intricate details and bright colors of this card highlight the company's marketing efforts and offer a glimpse into the popular culture of the late 19th century. The card is currently in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.