Violaceous, from Birds of the Tropics series (N38) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1889

Curator: My first thought: elegance! Look at the balanced composition, the gentle curve of the bird's body echoing the soft vignette in the background. Editor: This is "Violaceous" from the Birds of the Tropics series created by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes in 1889. It uses watercolor and printmaking techniques, emulating a drawing. Each card was inserted into cigarette packs, trading cards advertising Richmond Straight Cut No. 1 Cigarettes. Curator: Interesting—so, mass-produced and disposable. Does that cheapen the art, or democratize it? What do you think about the Ukiyo-e influences? The flattening of the pictorial plane… Editor: It speaks volumes about the industrial processes of the late 19th century. This was during a period of intense consumption; consider the demand and the materials. Paper production, ink formulas… Who were the artists, and under what conditions did they work to fulfill such demand? Curator: Regardless, its formal elements remain strong! The juxtaposition of that realistically rendered bird with the hazy background... It draws you in. Editor: The "hazy background" signals the exotic appeal so integral to product branding then. It sold more than cigarettes; it sold fantasy, falsely associating their product with tropical environments and desirable lifestyles. Curator: It's not just the lifestyle! Look at the subtle palette: violets, reds and oranges and complementary greens against the cream stock. Very aesthetically pleasing. Editor: The composition directs consumption and reinforces specific ideals, wouldn't you agree? Curator: Perhaps. Still, I can’t deny that despite its historical context, it's lovely! The way they used line and color is captivating. Editor: Absolutely. Even a small piece like this provides such an interesting window into understanding industrial labor, commerce, and how both impact visual culture!