American Snake Bird, from the Game Birds series (N13) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

This chromolithograph, "American Snake Bird," from the 1889 "Game Birds" series, is a prime example of the collectible trade cards produced by Allen & Ginter. The card depicts a detailed, colorful rendering of the bird, with delicate foliage and a background reminiscent of a tropical landscape. These cards were originally given away with Allen & Ginter cigarettes, and represent a fascinating intersection of natural history, marketing, and art. This particular example is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.