Opossum, from Quadrupeds series (N41) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

"Opossum," from the "Quadrupeds" series of trade cards created by Allen & Ginter for their Richmond Straight Cut No. 1 cigarettes in 1890, showcases a detailed illustration of an opossum hanging from a tree branch. The card exemplifies the popular Victorian era trend of incorporating natural history imagery into advertising, appealing to a broad audience with its depiction of a common North American animal. The image, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, highlights the company's use of chromolithography for its vibrant colors and intricate details.