Madagascar Grosbeak, from the Song Birds of the World series (N42) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes by Allen & Ginter

Madagascar Grosbeak, from the Song Birds of the World series (N42) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

drawing, print

naturalistic theme

drawing

toned paper

water colours

print

light earthy tone

bird

handmade artwork painting

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

green and neutral

watercolor

warm toned green

"Madagascar Grosbeak" is a chromolithograph from the "Song Birds of the World" series, issued by Allen & Ginter as a trade card for their Richmond Straight Cut No. 1 Cigarettes. The card, printed in 1890, features a vibrantly colored depiction of the bird perched on a branch with pink blossoms against a leafy background. This bird card is an example of a popular Victorian era collectible, promoting the brand through the appeal of natural history. The card is currently in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.