Hummingbird, from the Birds of America series (N4) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

This tiny chromolithograph was made for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes, likely in the 1880s. It’s one of a series that came inside the packs, meant to stiffen the product and promote collecting. Chromolithography was a relatively new process at the time. It allowed for the mass production of colorful images, but still involved highly skilled labor. Each color required a separate stone or plate to be prepared, printed, and then carefully aligned. This print likely involved at least a dozen runs through the press to create its subtle gradations. What I find compelling about these images is the way that consumerism and artistry become intertwined. The prints are beautiful and valuable in their own right, yet also utterly beholden to the logic of capitalism and mass production. They challenge the distinction between ‘high’ and ‘low’ art. Consider how this small, mass-produced item has found its way into a museum collection – a testament to the complex relationship between art, industry, and culture.