Torquata, from the Birds of the Tropics series (N5) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

Allen & Ginter produced this vibrant chromolithograph, "Torquata, from the Birds of the Tropics series," as a collectible insert for their cigarette packs. These cards were circulated during an era defined by colonial expansion and burgeoning industrialization. The exotic birds, rendered in striking detail, offered consumers an accessible form of global exploration, while simultaneously encouraging tobacco consumption. But let's consider this image through a critical lens. The "Torquata" isn't merely an aesthetic object; it embodies the cultural dynamics of the time. Consider the implications of a commercial brand appropriating images of ‘exotic’ wildlife. Doesn’t this speak to the power dynamics inherent in colonialism and trade, and the complex relationship between commerce, science, and representation? Ultimately, this card encapsulates a moment in history when consumer culture, natural science, and colonial attitudes were deeply intertwined. It’s a reminder of how everyday objects can be imbued with broader cultural and political meanings.