Goldfinch, from the Birds of America series (N4) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

Editor: This is "Goldfinch," one of the trading cards from the Birds of America series for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes, dating to 1888. It’s charming, with a distinct Art Nouveau feel, but I'm not sure what to make of a bird illustration being used to promote cigarettes. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Ah, that tension is exactly where the cultural memory sparks, isn't it? The goldfinch itself is an ancient symbol—often associated with resilience, good fortune and adaptability in various cultures. But it also represents risk, with some scholars believing it represents "gambling" – fitting since it appears on a trading card included with cigarettes. These cards were very popular and, more broadly, were traded widely like stocks. Editor: So, it's meant to associate the cigarettes, and the company, with good fortune and resilience? Curator: Partly that, yes, but the specific imagery speaks volumes. Consider the roses - traditionally symbolic of wealth and even hidden passions. The eggs signify hope and life and are presented underneath a logo associating these emblems with a very unhealthy product. But more broadly, the sets themselves provided education in visual culture. Are these strange pairings jarring for you? Editor: They are! I wouldn’t think of looking at this illustration and connecting it to gambling or smoking! Curator: But that's the interesting twist, right? We tend to perceive symbols through our present-day lenses. Stepping back into its original cultural context opens new perspectives. This was not created to highlight how harmful cigarettes could be; instead, it hoped the cultural connection with beauty, wealth, and well-being would stand out most. Editor: I never thought of this cigarette card as having so many layers. It definitely offers an intriguing intersection of commerce and culture. Curator: Exactly. Images are not just representations; they're active participants in shaping cultural beliefs. So, we gain insights by exploring that history of consumption.