Painted Bunting, from the Song Birds of the World series (N23) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

Editor: This is "Painted Bunting," from the Song Birds of the World series, a print made by Allen & Ginter around 1890. It’s incredibly detailed, especially for something so small. It looks like it was intended to be collected. What strikes you about this little print? Curator: Well, immediately, I see this not just as art, but as a cultural artifact. Cigarette cards like these served as promotional items, a clever marketing tactic in a rapidly industrializing world. Collecting became a popular pastime, fueled by consumer culture. It is a fascinating public intersection of commerce, art, and even science—advertising depicted a scientific pursuit! Why do you think birds were chosen as a subject matter? Editor: I suppose birds are beautiful and exotic to many people, connecting them with the natural world? But I wonder how accurate the image is. Curator: That's a crucial point! The "accuracy" of these images reflects evolving scientific understanding and societal values. While seemingly educational, these cards subtly reinforced prevailing ideas about nature and perhaps even the perceived exoticism of other cultures since naturalism and colonial pursuits went hand in hand. Also, consider the environmental impact of tobacco production during that era, a fact conveniently omitted from these idealized depictions of nature. Does knowing the historical context change how you view the image? Editor: Definitely. It feels less innocent now. More like a carefully crafted piece of propaganda, trying to sell a product while appearing educational. It also prompts you to want to find out more about this historical tension. Curator: Exactly. It demonstrates how even seemingly innocuous imagery can be deeply embedded in the social and political landscape of its time. A great example of public art!