Blue Bird, from the Birds of America series (N4) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

Curator: Looking at this, the overall feeling is spring. Editor: Yes, the aesthetic is gentle and light, a welcome feeling, really. We are viewing a print titled “Blue Bird” created in 1888, part of the Birds of America series made for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. Curator: I notice the company’s name displayed on the bottom as part of the advertising campaign, Richmond Virginia. So it functions on more than one level. The scale seems quite small, is it? Editor: It is, roughly the size of a playing card. The image captures a single bird perched among flowering branches. Curator: How fascinating that something meant for such everyday use—cigarette packaging—would employ artistic renderings. I imagine it made these cards very collectable. Editor: Absolutely. What stands out is its resemblance to Japanese Ukiyo-e prints. It's clearly inspired by that aesthetic, in terms of its composition and the flat planes of color. Curator: This highlights the interesting intersection of commercial enterprise, artistry, and cultural influence present in this type of artwork. But it does makes me a little uncomfortable to think of art being used to sell tobacco. Editor: It's definitely a complex historical moment. While celebrating the artistry, it's important to acknowledge that it’s tied to tobacco use, which we understand today to be a major health crisis, particularly given the location being Richmond Virginia which continues to deal with racism due to this history. The card also speaks volumes about corporate approaches to consumer engagement during the late 19th century. Curator: Very good point. It’s a strange duality, beautiful imagery promoting something ultimately harmful, packaged as collectible series and invoking imagery associated with high art, specifically prints. Thank you for highlighting all this. Editor: My pleasure, bringing different voices helps see it from different points of view, allowing for a better view of a more holistic perspective and the power structures that influence art.