Sepoy Finch, from the Song Birds of the World series (N42) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This small chromolithograph of a Sepoy Finch comes from a series titled 'Song Birds of the World' printed by Allen & Ginter, a cigarette company, at the end of the 19th century. The card is mass-produced through industrial methods of printing which are far from the traditions of fine art. It is made of paper, ink, and commercial artistry, and was made to be included in a package of cigarettes. The sepoy finch is rendered with striking red plumage, surrounded by details of its natural habitat. Consider the labor involved in each stage, from the creation of the images, to printing and distribution on a mass scale. Cigarette cards were collected by children and adults alike, and are of interest in their own right as popular culture. This card challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft. By considering its original context, we can broaden our understanding of art, labor, and consumption in society.