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

This chromolithograph of a Perch, was made as part of a series of fish from American waters for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. The image presents the fish, a symbol of abundance and fertility, juxtaposed with humble fishing boats resting on the shore. The symbol of the fish, seen here in late nineteenth century America, echoes through millennia. Recall the early Christian symbol of the fish, the "Ichthys," a secret sign of faith during times of persecution. The fish appears in ancient Roman mosaics, representing the bounty of the sea, and even further back in time in Egyptian art, symbolizing regeneration. The act of fishing itself carries profound psychological weight. It evokes a primal connection to the natural world, a pursuit of sustenance and a challenge against the unknown depths. This image connects us to an ancient, collective memory. It reflects our dependence on nature and the cyclical relationship between humanity and the natural world, a pattern of life, death, and rebirth.