Saddle-back, from the Song Birds of the World series (N23) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This chromolithograph shows a Saddle-back bird from the Song Birds of the World series, made for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. The bird sits perched on a branch, surrounded by light foliage against a soft background. The bird motif carries rich cultural significance, symbolizing freedom, spirituality, and the soul's journey across many cultures. Birds, as messengers between the earth and the sky, have featured prominently in the iconography of diverse eras and locations, from ancient Egyptian art with the soul represented as a bird to Christian art. The saddle-back design—the distinct coloration across the bird's back—resonates with an ancient, powerful notion of burden-bearing, akin to Atlas carrying the world. Consider how this imagery taps into our collective subconscious. Birds, often associated with lightness and flight, here bear a 'saddle,' suggesting weight or responsibility. This blend of freedom and burden creates a compelling tension, perhaps reflecting our own dual existence, caught between aspiration and duty. This image serves as a reminder that the symbols we see and create are continuously evolving reflections of our shared, timeless human experiences.