Gorilla, from the Wild Animals of the World series (N25) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This small card depicting a gorilla was made by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette packs. Made in the United States during the late 19th century, the card belongs to a series showcasing "Wild Animals of the World". At the time, mass media images helped to shape public perceptions of the natural world. Note the prominent display of the gorilla's face: such imagery often reflected and reinforced existing racial hierarchies, with animalistic portrayals used to dehumanize certain groups of people. The production and circulation of these cards also coincided with the growth of the tobacco industry, which had a huge social impact. Understanding these connections requires us to investigate the visual codes of the time. We have to research the social and economic contexts of image production and consumption. Only then can we interpret these images as cultural artifacts, revealing the complex ways in which power and ideology are circulated.