Rose-breasted Grosbeak, from the Song Birds of the World series (N23) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This is a chromolithograph of a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, part of Allen & Ginter’s “Song Birds of the World” series. Its charm lies in the delicate arrangement of color and form. Notice how the artist uses a palette of soft pinks, blacks, and grays to bring the bird to life. These hues are not merely decorative, they serve to define the contours of the bird, from its distinctive rose-colored breast to its sleek, black head. The composition is carefully balanced, the bird perched on a branch that cuts diagonally across the frame. This creates a sense of depth and movement, drawing the eye across the picture. The structural elements in this small-scale print – originally included in cigarette packs – speak to broader themes of commercial art and its engagement with natural history. It flattens the image, turning the bird into a sign, an object of display and desire. Even today, the print’s formal qualities invite us to reflect on the relationship between nature, representation, and consumer culture.