Porcupine, from the Wild Animals of the World series (N25) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph, "Porcupine," is from the "Wild Animals of the World" series, part of a larger set of collectible cards produced by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette brand in 1888. The card depicts a close-up of a porcupine's head and shoulders, set against a background of foliage. The animal's sharp quills are rendered with detail, and the overall style is reminiscent of natural history illustrations of the Victorian era. This collectible card, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a charming example of late 19th-century printmaking and a fascinating window into the history of advertising.