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

Editor: Here we have *Torquata, from Birds of the Tropics series (N38) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes*, created in 1889. It’s currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The juxtaposition of the tropical scene with the advertisement feels… odd. What's your take on this piece? Curator: It's fascinating to consider these cards as reflections of late 19th-century commercial culture and its impact on artistic expression. Tobacco companies used such collectible cards as marketing tools. But beyond simple advertising, these images reveal much about the public’s taste and understanding of exotic locales at the time. How do you perceive the connection between the image of the Torquata bird and the product it’s advertising? Editor: It feels very...exploitative. It's capitalizing on the allure of the exotic to sell something mundane, creating a shallow experience for the consumer. Curator: Precisely. The romanticized, somewhat simplified, depiction of the tropical landscape served to both educate and entertain. This connects to broader issues: The popularization of exotic imagery served to fuel an interest in colonial expansion. How do you view this tension, knowing the cards were both art objects and tools of commerce and implicitly, colonialism? Editor: It definitely makes me re-evaluate the pretty colours and almost ‘naive’ artistic style. It becomes another example of how art, even seemingly innocent art, can reinforce broader power dynamics. I had no idea such a simple little cigarette card could have so much to say about the world! Curator: It showcases how the seemingly insignificant artifacts reflect major cultural and historical trends. Examining art objects such as this makes us see art as connected to societal influences. I am glad to see how a common subject inspires such deep reflection.