Carp, from Fish from American Waters series (N39) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1889

This chromolithograph, "Carp," is part of the "Fish from American Waters" series created in 1889 by Allen & Ginter as a collectible card for their cigarette brand. The card depicts a single carp swimming with a detailed, realistic rendering of the fish's scales and coloration, set against a watery backdrop. The bottom of the card features a scene of men fishing with nets, creating a visual connection between the depicted fish and its environment and suggesting the importance of the carp to American waters. This card, like others in the series, served as a form of educational entertainment for the target audience of cigarette smokers.