Whopping Crane, from the Game Birds series (N13) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

This small chromolithograph of a Whooping Crane was made in the United States as part of a series of collectible cards for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes in the late 19th century. Such cards were intended to stiffen cigarette packs and attract consumers through colorful imagery. This card depicts a Whooping Crane standing amongst greenery, with a blue, star-flecked background. These details create an idyllic, almost theatrical backdrop. But what does it mean? The late 19th century was a time of rapid industrialization and urbanization in the U.S. These cards, mass-produced and widely distributed, served as vehicles for popular education, showcasing the nation's natural resources. They also reflected a growing awareness of the impact of human activity on the environment. This card could be seen to promote an ideal of nature at a time when the idea of wilderness was under threat. To understand the social impact of these cards, we can investigate the history of advertising, popular education, and the environmental movement. Art is always part of a bigger picture.