Flounder, from the Fish from American Waters series (N8) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

This is "Flounder," from the "Fish from American Waters" series, created by Allen & Ginter as a promotional card for their cigarettes. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, reflect a period of growing industrialization and expanding consumer culture in the United States. The series captures a moment where nature was being both celebrated and commodified. Cigarette cards like this one served to educate and entertain, but also to promote consumption. This card presents a flounder in a way that invites curiosity, yet also reduces it to a mere object of display. The detailed depiction of the fish, set against a backdrop of aquatic life, highlights the era's fascination with natural history. But consider the context: the card was designed to be collected, traded, and consumed, much like the cigarettes it advertised. The emotional connection to nature becomes intertwined with the commercial interests of the time. It's a reminder of how our perceptions of the natural world are often shaped by the economic and cultural forces around us.