American Bittern, from the Game Birds series (N13) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

"American Bittern" is a chromolithograph from the "Game Birds" series created by Allen & Ginter in 1889 as a collectible card for their cigarette brand. The card depicts an American Bittern bird in a field of reeds with a hunting scene in the background, highlighting the bird's natural habitat and the potential threat it faced. These cards were a popular form of advertising in the late 19th century, with their vibrant colors and detailed illustrations appealing to a wide audience. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City houses this small, but impactful artwork.