Prairie Dog, from Quadrupeds series (N41) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This small chromolithograph of a prairie dog was produced by Allen & Ginter, a cigarette company in the late 19th century, as part of a series of collectible cards. The image encapsulates a romanticized vision of the American West. We see the prairie dog in the foreground, seemingly undisturbed, while in the background there is a wagon train moving westwards and cowboys herding cattle. The card reflects a pivotal moment in the social and economic history of the United States as it suggests ideas about expansion, progress, and the exploitation of natural resources. The cards were included in cigarette packs to stiffen them and encourage collecting, thus turning a dangerous product into a cultural phenomenon. Understanding this image requires us to research the history of tobacco companies, the marketing strategies they used, and the cultural values they promoted. It serves as a reminder that art and commerce are always intertwined.