Dipper, from the Birds of America series (N37) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This is "Dipper," a lithograph from the "Birds of America" series by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. These cards, which originated in the late 19th century, straddle a fascinating intersection between consumer culture, natural history, and the construction of American identity. At a time of rapid industrialization and westward expansion, the image of the 'Dipper' or water ouzel evokes a nostalgic connection to the natural world. Yet, its inclusion in a series used to sell cigarettes highlights the complex relationship between consumerism and nature. This card is also embedded in a narrative of class and leisure. Cigarettes, like art, were luxury items, and their consumption was linked to status. In what ways does this card reflect the shifting boundaries of class and taste in a rapidly changing America? What does it mean to package the image of a bird, a symbol of freedom, as part of the marketing strategy for a product that is literally about consumption? The "Dipper" becomes a poignant reminder of our entwined relationship with the natural world, one that is both celebrated and commodified.