Linnet, from the Song Birds of the World series (N23) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This chromolithograph of a Linnet comes from a series made by Allen & Ginter for their cigarettes. Note the Linnet's perch on a branch, its red breast, and the romanticized landscape in the background. Birds have long carried symbolic weight across cultures, acting as messengers between worlds. This linnet, with its vibrant red breast, harkens back to images of the robin redbreast in folklore, a symbol of winter and hope. Think of the tale where the robin's breast is stained red by the blood of Christ, a potent image of sacrifice and renewal. Consider also the enduring motif of birds in flight, representing the soul's journey, a theme that echoes from ancient Egyptian art to Renaissance paintings. This small card, seemingly simple, taps into our collective memory, reminding us of nature, freedom, and the intricate web of symbols that connect us to the past.