Triggerfish, from Fish from American Waters series (N39) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1889

This is 'Triggerfish,' a chromolithograph from the 'Fish from American Waters' series, made for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes in the late 19th century. More than just an image of marine life, this card offers a glimpse into the cultural landscape of the time. It reflects an era where advertising was becoming increasingly sophisticated and integrated into daily life. Cigarette companies like Allen & Ginter used these cards as collectible items to boost sales and brand recognition. This tells us about institutional histories: it's a collision between the natural sciences, art, and the burgeoning world of consumer culture. The triggerfish, rendered with attention to detail, is framed by decorative elements. It speaks to the growing interest in natural history and the exotic, also revealing the values of a society that was rapidly industrializing, and how it looked to the natural world for both inspiration and escape. To understand the full story, we might delve into the archives of advertising history or explore the social impact of tobacco companies at the time. Art becomes a lens through which we can examine the values and structures of a particular moment in history.