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

This chromolithograph of a Stitch Bird comes from a series made for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes in the late 19th-century United States. These cards were a clever marketing strategy, turning commercial products into collectible items. The image presents a colorful depiction of a Stitch Bird, perched on a branch with other birds. The bird is carefully rendered, but also flattened to fit a printed card. The inclusion of this species speaks to a growing interest in natural history among the expanding middle classes, while its presentation speaks to the economic interests of Ginter and Allen. By looking at the history of advertising, the growth of consumer culture, and the popularization of natural history through institutions like museums and schools, we can understand how this small card reflects some of the significant cultural shifts of its time. Understanding art such as this requires looking into archives and libraries for documentary evidence, allowing us to understand the complex relationship between art, commerce, and society.