Catfish, from Fish from American Waters series (N39) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1889

This chromolithograph of a catfish, part of Allen & Ginter’s "Fish from American Waters" series, presents a fascinating study in composition and form. The card is divided into two distinct registers that blend observation with narrative elements. The lower section depicts a catfish in water, rendered with considerable attention to its texture and color variation. Above, a scene unfolds with two boys fishing, their figures smaller in scale, set against a landscape. What strikes me is how the division of space affects our perception. The direct, almost scientific portrayal of the fish contrasts with the idyllic, anecdotal scene above. This juxtaposition isn't merely decorative; it introduces a tension between objective observation and subjective experience. The artist is playing with how we perceive and categorize the world. The formal arrangement invites us to consider how meaning is constructed through visual syntax, turning a simple image into a comment on knowledge and representation.