Flying Squirrel, from the Quadrupeds series (N21) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This is a lithograph of a flying squirrel, created by Allen & Ginter as part of a series of collectible cards packaged with their cigarettes. The print is small, but dense with detail. The lithographic process allowed for the layering of colors to create an illusion of depth and texture. Look closely, and you’ll notice the subtle variations in tone that bring the squirrel to life, and the delicate rendering of the leaves and branches. These cards were printed in vast quantities, which speaks to the industrialization of both image-making and leisure in the late 19th century. The image would have been originally created by an artist or designer, then transferred to lithographic stones or plates by skilled artisans. The printing itself would have been done by machine, with workers overseeing the process to ensure quality and consistency. These cards were essentially advertisements, linking the pleasure of smoking with images of natural wonder. The Flying Squirrel card reminds us that even seemingly simple images can reveal complex relationships between art, industry, and society.