Parrot Finch, from the Song Birds of the World series (N23) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This is a Parrot Finch chromolithograph from the "Song Birds of the World" series, created by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. These cards, distributed with cigarette packs, offer a glimpse into the cultural practices of the late 19th century. During this era, consumer culture was rapidly expanding, with advertising playing a key role in shaping desires and identities. The series exoticizes birds from around the world, aligning them with a sense of global exploration and conquest. The image participates in the problematic natural sciences of the time, as popular science was often imbued with imperialist ideologies. The cards were a form of education, even entertainment, that shaped cultural perceptions of the world beyond American borders. Consider the emotional appeal of these cards to consumers, as the image of the bird offered a momentary escape from the mundane, but also perpetuated the era's colonial gaze.