Canvas-Back Duck, from the Game Birds series (N13) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

This is "Canvas-Back Duck" from the Game Birds series (N13) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands. Though the date of the artwork is unknown, these cards were typically produced in the late 19th century, a time when consumer culture was rapidly expanding. These cards were originally included in packs of cigarettes as a marketing tactic. While seemingly innocuous, it's important to consider how the mass production and distribution of such images contributed to a culture of consumption and, arguably, environmental degradation, even if that damage was not yet widely understood. The image depicts a male Canvasback Duck in a natural setting, framed by an ornamental border. Consider this image within the context of colonialism and the exploitation of natural resources, including wildlife, for commercial gain. The duck, a symbol of nature, is commodified. This tiny card invites us to consider our relationship with the natural world. What do we take? What do we give back?