Painted Bunting, from the Song Birds of the World series (N42) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This small chromolithograph of a painted bunting comes from a series produced for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes in the United States. These cards, which were included in cigarette packs, reflect the growing consumer culture of the late 19th century. They were a form of advertising, but also served as collectibles, offering glimpses into a wider world of natural history. The way the image is constructed is important; on the left, the advertisement for cigarettes, on the right, the nest, the image is separated. The choice of subject matter reflects a growing interest in ornithology and natural history, part of a broader cultural movement towards scientific observation and classification. The production of such images was also deeply intertwined with the economic and social structures of the time, including the rise of mass media, and advertising. Understanding the cultural context in which these images were produced allows us to see them not just as pretty pictures, but as artifacts that reflect the values, interests, and social structures of their time. To understand this further, we can research Allen & Ginter's business practices and analyse consumer trends.