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

"Pouter Pigeon" is a chromolithograph from the "Birds of America" series created by Allen & Ginter in 1888. It is one of a set of cards that were given away with Allen & Ginter brand cigarettes. This card features a detailed illustration of a Pouter pigeon, a breed known for its large, inflated crop. The bird is depicted in a cage, with a wooden perch and a pot of hay in the background. The card's vibrant colors and intricate details showcase the artistry of chromolithography, a printing technique popular in the late 19th century. This card is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, highlighting the importance of these trade cards as a source of early American art.