Apteryx, from the Birds of the Tropics series (N5) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

Editor: Here we have "Apteryx," a colored-pencil drawing from 1889 by Allen & Ginter, part of their "Birds of the Tropics" series of cigarette cards. There's something wonderfully strange and endearing about this little kiwi, almost like a feathered cartoon character. What strikes you when you look at it? Curator: You know, it’s the collision of whimsy and taxonomic precision that really gets me. On one hand, it’s this almost humorous rendering, a stocky little fellow balanced precariously, right? But think about it—these cards were wildly popular, almost trading cards. Imagine discovering nature for the first time through such fleeting, tactile encounters! Does the way it is cropped so close change how you perceive the bird? Editor: Definitely! It feels very intimate, like you're observing it in its own habitat. What does the print medium add to your understanding? Curator: Absolutely. I wonder about its original audience and how different their reception might have been compared to our contemporary sensibilities. It reminds me of old-world exploration, with each pack offering an affordable gateway to global exploration, right in your pocket. What new insights has the conversation today brought about for you? Editor: I think I appreciate how it connects to a different time of encountering nature, as well as to popular culture! Curator: Right? Like holding a tiny window to another world, a whisper from the past urging us to consider our present perceptions!