Card 26, Argynnis Cybele, from the Butterflies series (N183) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1888

Card 26, Argynnis Cybele, from the Butterflies series, was made by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. as a mass-produced card. This card is a reminder of the role that consumer culture played in shaping popular understandings of the natural world. Made in the late 19th century in the United States, trade cards like this were included in cigarette packs, serving as both advertising and collectible items. The image presents an allegorical figure of a woman, adorned with butterfly wings, referencing classical mythology. This card reflects a broader cultural trend of the time, where commercial interests merged with scientific curiosity and aesthetic appreciation. The publishers capitalized on the growing interest in natural history and entomology, while also promoting their brand. Further research into the archives of Wm. S. Kimball & Co., as well as studies of popular culture of the period, can reveal more about the social and economic context in which such images were produced and consumed.