Pile Game Hen, from the Prize and Game Chickens series (N20) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1891

This chromolithograph, "Pile Game Hen," is a card from the "Prize and Game Chickens" series produced by Allen & Ginter in 1891 for their cigarette brand. The card depicts a detailed, lifelike image of a Pile Game Hen standing on a sandy ground, with a blurred image of a tree in the background. This artwork is one of many in the series, which showcases the unique and diverse breeds of chickens popular in the late 19th century. The chromolithography technique, using multiple printing plates to achieve vivid colors, was a popular method for creating illustrative cards at this time, and helps capture the intricate details of the bird’s plumage and features. These cards, now considered collectible, provide a glimpse into the cultural fascinations and the artistic trends of the period.