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

This is a lithograph of a salmon from the ‘Fish from American Waters’ series, created for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. The central image is a salmon, a creature rich in symbolism across cultures. The act of fishing, depicted in the lower register, speaks to humanity's primal connection to the natural world. Consider the salmon’s journey upstream, a motif echoed in various mythologies as a quest or pilgrimage. Think of the ancient tales of heroes undertaking perilous journeys, or the cyclical nature of life and death found in many religious traditions. This image, seemingly simple, carries the weight of these collective memories. The depiction of fishermen calls to mind images of ancient seafarers or biblical scenes of disciples casting nets. Such images tap into our collective subconscious, evoking feelings of hope, struggle, and the eternal human quest for sustenance. It is a powerful image, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Thus, we observe in this cigarette card not just a salmon, but a symbol that has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings, a testament to the enduring power of images across time.