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

This chromolithograph of a Chub, part of the "Fish from American Waters" series, was created by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette packs. These cards, small in size but rich in detail, circulated widely in an era marked by industrial expansion and growing interest in natural history. Consider how the depiction of nature intertwines with commerce and consumption. During the late 19th century, the commodification of nature through art and advertising often served to promote an idealized vision of American landscapes. The ‘chub’ is presented here as a specimen, devoid of context, abstracted from its natural habitat. This form of representation can obscure the ecological complexities and environmental consequences of industrial growth. These images reflect a specific cultural moment, one in which nature was increasingly seen through the lens of capitalist expansion.