Beaver, from the Wild Animals of the World series (N25) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph depicts a close-up of a beaver’s face, seemingly gnawing on a tree branch. It is part of the *Wild Animals of the World* series, produced by Allen & Ginter as trade cards for their cigarettes in 1888. This card exemplifies the trend of incorporating natural history imagery into commercial products, particularly in the late 19th century. The realistic detail of the beaver's fur and the surrounding foliage, though simplified, is typical of the chromolithographic printing style prevalent in the era. The card, now held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to the evolution of both scientific illustration and advertising during a period of significant industrial and societal change.