Rose-breasted Grosbeak, from the Song Birds of the World series (N42) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This "Rose-breasted Grosbeak" card was produced by Allen & Ginter for their series, "Song Birds of the World," most likely using lithography. The card's smooth surface and precise imagery reflect industrial printing processes rather than traditional artistic techniques. Consider the broader context: these cards were not conceived as artworks, but as collectibles included in cigarette packs. Their purpose was to promote consumption, associating the allure of nature with the pleasures of smoking. The mass production of these cards relied on factory labor, contrasting sharply with the delicate beauty of the birds they depict. The very act of collecting these cards speaks to a culture of consumerism and leisure, where even images of nature become commodities. It encourages us to reflect on how our relationship with the natural world is mediated through systems of production and exchange. By considering the materials, processes, and social context of this card, we can challenge conventional notions of art and appreciate the complex layers of meaning embedded within everyday objects.