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

Editor: Here we have "Bluefish, from the Fish from American Waters series" created in 1889 by Allen & Ginter, a print made with colored pencils and drawing techniques. It looks like something you might find illustrating a natural history book. What visual narratives do you find in this print? Curator: It’s fascinating how a simple image of a fish can carry such weight. Consider the series title: "Fish from American Waters." It's a deliberate act of naming and claiming, isn't it? Think about the symbolism embedded in depicting local fauna at that time. What emotions or ideas might it evoke for viewers then? Editor: Patriotism, perhaps? Or maybe pride in America's natural resources? Curator: Precisely. This was a time of rapid industrialization, and these images arguably represented something "pure," or at least untainted. What is the lingering effect of these commercial images, what kind of message does that repetition spread? The careful detail afforded to the fish elevates it, makes it almost an emblem. Are there any echoes to Ukiyo-e prints with their hyper-realistic and reverent representations of animals? Editor: I can see that connection, the flat perspective reminds me of those kinds of prints! It is quite a contrast, thinking about commercial images aspiring toward high art! What have Allen & Ginter really captured here? Curator: It could be the moment when an identity took hold, intertwining commercial imagery, national pride, and an appreciation for natural beauty. How these symbols operate and evolve over time. Ultimately, it provides insights into America's perception of itself and its environment. Editor: This really changes how I see this print; it’s no longer just a picture of a fish, it's like a visual capsule of a specific time and place, telling a broader cultural narrative. Curator: Exactly. And that's the power of looking at the underlying symbols and the cultural context. The fish is not just a fish; it's a symbol of identity.