Snowy Owl, from the Birds of America series (N37) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This colorful lithograph, part of the "Birds of America" series created by Allen & Ginter, features a snowy owl perched on a branch against a night sky. The owl, depicted in great detail, is a popular subject in natural history illustrations, highlighting its white plumage, yellow eyes and sharp talons. The series, produced in 1888, was originally included in cigarette packages, making this card a prime example of a trade card - a popular marketing tool in the late 19th century.