Curlew, from the Game Birds series (N13) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

This chromolithograph, "Curlew" (1889) from the Game Birds series, was created by Allen & Ginter and was originally part of a set of trading cards given away with Allen & Ginter brand cigarettes. The card depicts a curlew bird in a realistic style against a stylized background. The bird is depicted standing in a grassy area, with its long, slender beak and brown-and-white feathers. The card is framed by two stylized scrolls, adding a decorative touch to the composition. This card is an example of chromolithography, a printing technique that allowed for the mass production of colorful images. It also exemplifies the use of art in commercial advertising, where it served to attract customers and enhance brand recognition.