Black-necked Stilt, from the Game Birds series (N40) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888 - 1890

Editor: Here we have "Black-necked Stilt," part of the "Game Birds" series created by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes, sometime between 1888 and 1890. It's a print made using watercolor and colored pencil, and it’s quite charming. I’m curious about its design. What strikes you when you look at this work? Curator: The immediate thing that grabs my attention is the juxtaposition of naturalistic imagery with these very geometric, almost heraldic symbols. Consider the circular emblem mirroring floral forms – this is a visual language, reflecting how late 19th-century advertising appropriated and recontextualized signs of prestige and authenticity. Editor: I see what you mean, it's not just a pretty picture of a bird! Curator: Exactly. The Stilt itself, posed delicately, is framed by art nouveau-esque ornamentation. What does this suggest about the intended consumer? This conflation suggests luxury, sophistication and the allure of the natural world. Editor: So, it's trying to associate smoking cigarettes with being cultured and refined, like appreciating nature? The flowers look familiar; would they be specifically American, something easily recognisable? Curator: It's certainly aiming to elevate the act of smoking. While I would need more info for sure, I would certainly research North American flowers in order to delve deeper. Editor: Fascinating how much is packed into such a small image. I initially just saw a bird! Curator: Indeed! These seemingly simple images can reveal complex cultural attitudes and aspirations when we start to unpack the symbols.