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

Curator: Let’s turn our attention to a small print: "Haddock, from the Fish from American Waters series," made in 1889 for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. Editor: It's quite striking, the colors are muted, but the composition makes this fish seem almost regal. Is it realism or something else? Curator: Well, let's consider its structure. Notice the precise, almost diagrammatic representation of the haddock. The artist utilizes colored pencils and printing techniques to achieve a blend of scientific illustration and art. Note, in particular, how the lines emphasize the scales and the overall form, guiding the eye. Editor: Beyond the formal elements, fish have always been important cultural symbols. In many cultures, they represent abundance and transformation— think of the biblical significance, the story of Jonah swallowed by the whale, or the Chinese symbol of wealth. But on a cigarette card? Curator: That is the key, isn't it? We can look at it as a clever blend of commerce and cultural symbolism. The very ubiquity of these cards inserted into cigarette packs speaks volumes about the popular appetite for visual imagery during that era. The Ukiyo-e influence here should not be understated either. Editor: Ah, I see the flattened perspective, the focus on line... It does remind me of a Hokusai print, only dedicated to a single Haddock! Curator: Precisely. And remember, these cards weren't merely advertisements, they acted as a window into the world of popular science and aesthetics. So this specific fish becomes less about just that—fish—and more about accessibility, popular culture, and the cultural moment. Editor: Yes. Looking again, I’m now aware that there’s more to it. A fusion of art and commerce… Curator: A visually rich, if compact, object! Editor: Indeed. Quite enlightening!