Triggerfish, from the Fish from American Waters series (N8) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

This small chromolithograph of a Triggerfish was created as a collectible card for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. Notice how the artist used tightly packed fine parallel lines to define the form of the fish, lending it a tactile, almost three-dimensional quality. The scales appear as though one could run a finger across them, feeling each individual ridge. This detailed rendering is juxtaposed against the more loosely defined background, where the water is suggested through broader, horizontal strokes of pale blues and greens. This contrast directs our focus sharply to the subject. The color palette is restrained yet effective. Earthy browns and grays dominate, with subtle greens and blues accentuating the fins and tail, creating a sense of depth and movement. The use of these cool tones against the warmer hues of the fish’s body creates a visual tension, animating the image and making the Triggerfish leap from the card. Through these formal elements, the artist captures not just the appearance of the fish, but also its lively essence.