Rhea, from Birds of the Tropics series (N38) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1889

This small chromolithograph, “Rhea,” produced by Allen & Ginter for a series of cigarette cards, presents more than just a bird; it offers a glimpse into the cultural and historical landscape of image-making. Dominating the composition is the Rhea, a South American relative of the Ostrich. But it is not just the bird itself that captures our attention. Notice the architectural fragments in the background, reminiscent of classical ruins, symbols of ancient knowledge and vanished civilizations. The Rhea is named after the Greek goddess of fertility and motherhood. We find an echo of antiquity embedded in this modern commercial image. Throughout history, birds have been symbols of freedom, messengers between worlds, and representations of the soul's journey. This Rhea, situated against the backdrop of fading empires and tropical sunsets, evokes a sense of transition and the cyclical nature of time. It whispers of the past and the persistent echoes that resonate within our collective memory.