Crab, from the Fish from American Waters series (N8) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

This small card portraying a crab was produced by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette packs. It’s a chromolithograph, meaning that the image was printed using multiple lithographic stones, each applying a different color to build up a complete picture. What’s fascinating here is that the high-end color printing process was used to create something so ephemeral, a giveaway object intended to be collected and traded. The texture of the crab's shell and claws are carefully rendered, with a surprising amount of detail for such a small image. The background is minimal, focusing attention on the quality and form of the animal. Cards like these were hugely popular, creating a sense of connection between consumers and the natural world. This card is no different, inviting us to consider the labor of those involved in the fishing and processing of crab, as well as the printing and distribution of these cards. It is a reminder that even the smallest objects can carry significant cultural and economic meaning.