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

This is a Chamois from the Quadrupeds series made for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs as collectibles, becoming incredibly popular in the late 19th century. The card features a depiction of a chamois, a species of goat-antelope native to the European Alps, alongside a hunter, alluding to leisure activities linked to the upper classes at the time. This imagery highlights the complex relationship between humans and the natural world, specifically within the context of sport and recreation. In terms of institutional history, the production and distribution of these cards underscore the intersection of commerce and culture, where tobacco companies played a role in shaping popular tastes and visual culture. These cards offer insights into the social values of the period. Delving into archival sources and business histories sheds more light on how commercial forces intersected with cultural representations. We can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural context in which this imagery was consumed.