Sea Bass, from Fish from American Waters series (N39) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1889

This small chromolithograph of a 'Sea Bass', part of Allen & Ginter's 'Fish from American Waters' series, encapsulates late 19th-century America's burgeoning interest in natural history, coupled with the rise of consumer culture. These cards, distributed with cigarette packs, were designed to capture the public's imagination, offering a glimpse into the diverse aquatic life inhabiting American waters. Yet, they also served as a subtle promotion of leisure and luxury. The image presents a romanticized view of nature, far removed from the harsh realities faced by many Americans at the time. It evokes a sense of wonder and abundance, obscuring issues such as ecological impact and the labor conditions of the fishing industry. This card, therefore, is not just an innocent depiction of a fish; it's a carefully constructed image that reflects the values and aspirations of a specific social class during a period of rapid industrialization and societal change. It encourages us to consider whose stories are being told and whose are left out of the frame.