Bengali, from the Song Birds of the World series (N42) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This chromolithograph from the "Song Birds of the World" series, created by Allen & Ginter in 1890, features a vibrantly colored illustration of a Bengali bird. The card, which was part of a set of collectible cards included in packs of Allen & Ginter cigarettes, depicts the bird perched on a branch, its bright red tail feathers and blue-grey body standing out against the lush foliage. The image is a testament to the popularity of birdwatching and natural history in the late 19th century and serves as a historical artifact of the era’s fascination with the natural world.