Torquata, from Birds of the Tropics series (N38) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1889

"Torquata, from Birds of the Tropics series (N38) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes" is a chromolithograph from 1889 by Allen & Ginter, a company that produced trading cards. The card features a vibrant illustration of a brightly colored bird, the Torquata, perched on a branch with pink flowers. The bird's plumage is a blend of blue, yellow, and green, contrasting with the lush foliage. The card's left panel depicts a tropical landscape with a palm tree, a coastal scene, and a ribbon promoting "Richmond Straight Cut No. 1 Cigarettes." These cards, part of a larger series, were given away with purchases of Allen & Ginter cigarettes. This piece is a fascinating example of how commercial products, such as cigarettes, were used to popularize natural history and ornithology in the late 19th century.