Marten, from Quadrupeds series (N41) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This small chromolithograph of a marten was produced by Allen & Ginter for their series of cigarette cards, likely sometime in the late 19th century. These cards, featuring vibrant images of animals, actresses, or sports figures, were included in cigarette packs as a marketing strategy. The image itself evokes a romantic vision of the natural world in North America. Note the way that the animal is embedded in a scene of natural abundance and picturesque wilderness. Allen and Ginter were keen to align the consumption of their product with middle class taste, and with the growing interest in the natural sciences. These images are a reminder that the production and consumption of art are often intertwined with broader commercial and social forces. By studying ephemera like cigarette cards, we can gain insight into the social and cultural values of a particular historical moment. We might also consider how institutions such as advertising firms shape the production and reception of art.