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

This chromolithograph of a chub, part of the Fish from American Waters series, was created by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette brands. These cards emerged during a period of increasing industrialization and urbanization in the United States. The late 19th century was a time when consumer culture began to flourish. Cigarette cards like this one were a novel form of advertising, designed to be collected and traded. But more than just marketing tools, they offer insight into the era's fascination with categorizing and understanding the natural world. Consider how the image presents nature as something to be consumed, both literally, as a commodity to be caught and eaten, and figuratively, as an image to be collected and possessed. The chub, depicted with scientific precision, becomes a symbol of American abundance and the taming of the wilderness. The act of collecting these cards speaks to a desire for knowledge and control over one's environment. Yet, it also reflects a growing disconnect from the realities of nature, as people increasingly experienced the world through mass-produced images. This tension—between a romanticized view of nature and the commercial forces shaping its representation—is something to reflect on as we look at this image.