Pickerel, from the Fish from American Waters series (N8) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

This small print of a Pickerel is from the Fish from American Waters series, created by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. Its aesthetic impact lies in its compact size and precise detail, presenting a vivid yet miniature depiction of aquatic life. The print's composition uses the fish's form to direct the viewer's gaze. The streamlined body, rendered with meticulous attention to color and scale, establishes a strong horizontal axis that dominates the visual field. Light blues and whites suggest the water, offering a stark contrast to the Pickerel's patterned green skin, and accentuating its form. This strategic play of color and form not only captures the Pickerel's physical attributes but also speaks to broader themes of representation. It creates a semiotic system in which each element—color, line, and texture—functions as a sign, contributing to our understanding of the natural world through the lens of artistic interpretation. The print challenges conventional notions of what constitutes art, pushing us to reconsider the boundaries between commercial imagery and artistic expression.