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

"Cardinal Grosbeak" is a chromolithograph from the "Birds of America" series, created by Allen & Ginter in 1888 as a trade card for their Richmond Straight Cut No. 1 cigarettes. The card depicts a male Northern Cardinal perched on a branch against a backdrop of blue sky and clouds, surrounded by pink flowers and greenery. The card also includes a vase of flowers and a bowl, showcasing the vibrant colors and detailed illustrations typical of these collectible trade cards. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this artwork, a prime example of 19th-century American commercial art and a piece of social history reflecting the pervasive influence of tobacco advertising.