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

"Apteryx", from the "Birds of the Tropics" series, is a chromolithographic print created in 1889 by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette brand. This small, detailed illustration depicts a kiwi, a flightless bird endemic to New Zealand, in a naturalistic pose. The artwork's vibrant colors and intricate details highlight the unique features of the kiwi, including its long, slender beak and brown, feathery plumage. This print, part of a larger series of bird illustrations, was distributed as a collectible trading card, reflecting the growing popularity of natural history in the late 19th century. The card is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York City.