Pastor, from the Song Birds of the World series (N23) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

"Pastor," a chromolithographic print from the "Song Birds of the World" series, depicts a vibrantly colored bird perched on a branch, its plumage a striking combination of pink, teal, black, and blue. The artist, Allen & Ginter, produced these cards in 1890 as part of a marketing campaign for their Allen & Ginter brand cigarettes. This particular card, featuring intricate detail and vivid color, captures the bird's unique beauty, making it a compelling example of late 19th-century natural history illustration. The image, part of a larger collection of bird illustrations, highlights the aesthetic and educational value of these trading cards. The card's small size belies the intricate detail and vibrant color palette of the artwork. Today, these trading cards are valued by both collectors and ornithologists, offering insight into the history of natural history illustration and the early marketing strategies of the late 19th century.