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

This chromolithograph of a Chamois, from the Wild Animals of the World series, was made by Allen & Ginter for their Cigarettes. These cards were a late 19th-century phenomenon, inserted into cigarette packs to stiffen them, but soon becoming popular collectibles. This image speaks volumes about the cultural context of its time. We see an animal, the Chamois, framed as an exotic curiosity, part of a series showcasing the "Wild Animals of the World." Made in the United States, its production coincided with the rise of industrial capitalism and global trade. Allen & Ginter were tapping into a growing consumer culture eager to explore the world through imagery. But beyond the surface, these cards reveal a desire to classify and possess the natural world, aligning with colonialist attitudes of the time. The cigarette industry itself, with its marketing and global reach, embodies this spirit. To fully understand this image, we might delve into the history of advertising, the cultural fascination with natural history, and the social impact of tobacco consumption. By examining these contexts, we uncover the complex meanings embedded in a seemingly simple image.