Partridge Cochin Hen, from the Prize and Game Chickens series (N20) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1891

This is an image from the series “Prize and Game Chickens” by Allen & Ginter, a company known for inserting collectible cards into cigarette packs. The composition centers on the hen, its plumage a complex pattern of browns and blacks. The artist gives texture to the hen’s feathers by a subtle use of line and colour. The backdrop of soft greens and browns creates a contrast that brings the hen forward. The card's formal elements reveal the cultural values of the time. The meticulous depiction of the hen suggests a society valuing order and categorization. The hen as a specimen reflects Enlightenment ideals of scientific observation and classification, which is here integrated into the culture of collecting. Consider how this seemingly simple image opens up avenues for understanding broader cultural and intellectual currents. The image reminds us that even everyday objects can be fertile ground for exploring the interplay between art, culture, and knowledge.