Puma, from the Quadrupeds series (N21) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This is the "Puma," a chromolithograph from the Quadrupeds series, printed by Allen & Ginter for cigarette cards. The puma, or mountain lion, emerges here as more than mere fauna, but as a primal symbol of power and stealth. Across cultures, feline figures embody instinct, intuition, and the untamed aspects of nature. Think of the Egyptian goddess Bastet, or the lion representing courage and royalty in countless heraldic emblems. Consider the persistent motif of the predator, which is deeply embedded in our collective psyche. From Paleolithic cave paintings to modern-day advertising, the potent image of the wild cat has been employed, reflecting both our admiration and fear of the natural world. This cigarette card, in its own way, taps into that very primal connection, reminding us of the enduring allure of the wild.