Crossbill, from the Birds of America series (N37) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This small-scale ‘Crossbill’ trading card is from the Birds of America series, printed by Allen & Ginter. It has a complex structure of superimposed geometric shapes and varied color schemes. We see a visual interplay of red, gold, and pale blue. These are arranged to create depth and attract the eye through contrasting colors. The composition is disrupted and destabilized by its collage-like arrangement. The use of varied perspectives, like the miniature landscapes, alongside the flat depiction of the birds, adds to this destabilization. The card also uses semiotic signifiers typical of commercial branding, such as the company name and product description, which coexist with depictions of nature. This unusual combination may reflect a tension between natural beauty and commercial culture. The juxtaposition encourages reflection on how we categorize and commodify our understanding of the world. The card invites ongoing questioning of how form intersects with meaning, challenging traditional notions.