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

This is a chromolithograph of a raven, part of the "Birds of America" series, produced by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes in the late 19th century. These cards were originally included in cigarette packs as a marketing strategy. The series reflects a broader cultural interest in natural history, popular at a time of rapid industrialization and urbanization in the United States. Allen & Ginter, based in Richmond, Virginia, was at the forefront of the tobacco industry. The company's choice to depict birds, and other natural subjects, served to associate their product with themes of purity, and the American landscape, potentially appealing to a wide consumer base. To fully understand this image, it would be fascinating to study the marketing strategies of the period, the history of tobacco consumption, and the rise of consumer culture. This reveals how everyday objects like cigarette cards can offer insights into the social values and economic structures of their time.