Yellow-Breasted Sun Bird, from Birds of the Tropics series (N38) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1889

This chromolithograph, "Yellow-Breasted Sun Bird," is a vibrant depiction of a tropical bird in flight, created by Allen & Ginter in 1889 as part of their "Birds of the Tropics" series for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. The card is a classic example of 19th-century trade cards, featuring a striking image of the bird against a backdrop of colorful flowers and foliage, framed by the Allen & Ginter cigarette brand logo. These cards were intended to be both advertisements and collectible items, and they reflect a Victorian fascination with natural history and exotic creatures. The lithograph is a fine example of color printing techniques of the period. The image of the bird was likely based on a scientific illustration, but it has been given a decorative and whimsical feel. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY holds this example of this unique form of American art.