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

This small card showing a swordfish was made as a promotional item for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. It is one of a series depicting fish from American waters. This is a chromolithograph, which is a color printing technique. The process involves using multiple lithographic stones, one for each color, to create a layered image. It was a commercial technique and a direct reflection of the rise of industrial capitalism. Lithography allowed for mass production of colorful images, at a time when color printing was otherwise difficult and costly. The production of the image would have involved skilled artisans to prepare the stones and operate the presses. The swordfish image is crisp and lifelike. It offers a glimpse into the natural world, carefully rendered to appeal to consumers. Ultimately, this card, like the cigarette it promoted, is a reminder of the deep connections between art, industry, and consumer culture in the late 19th century.