Swallow Dicaeum, from the Song Birds of the World series (N23) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This small chromolithograph of a Swallow Dicaeum comes from the "Song Birds of the World" series, printed for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. It features a vibrant bird perched on a branch against a soft, neutral backdrop. The bird's form is constructed through distinct blocks of colour: a scarlet chest, a dark blue head and wings, and a touch of orange at the tail. These colours are not blended but abut each other, creating a sense of graphic precision. The composition is simple, yet effective. The branch cuts diagonally across the frame, providing a dynamic counterpoint to the bird's static pose. The backdrop, with its muted yellows and suggestion of foliage, serves merely as a setting. This piece, like others in the series, uses colour and form to create a striking image, less concerned with realism than with visual impact. Its formal structure echoes the design principles found in commercial art, where clarity and immediate appeal are paramount.