Jaguar, from the Wild Animals of the World series (N25) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph depicts a jaguar with a fierce expression, its mouth open in a snarl. The animal is rendered in a realistic style, with its spotted fur meticulously detailed. The background features a blur of foliage and rock formations, creating an impressionistic sense of the jaguar’s natural habitat. This card is part of a series produced by Allen & Ginter, a tobacco company, to promote their cigarettes. The image exemplifies a popular trend in the late 19th century of incorporating natural history subjects in trade cards. These cards were widely collected and enjoyed by consumers, offering a glimpse into the world of exotic wildlife.