Boar, from the Quadrupeds series (N21) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This is a chromolithograph of a boar, made for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes, part of their Quadrupeds series. Lithography is a printmaking process that relies on the chemical repulsion between oil and water, allowing for vibrant, detailed images to be reproduced. The use of color further enhances the subject, bringing the animal and its surroundings to life. The material here – an inexpensive card – speaks to the booming market in consumer products at the time. These cards were essentially advertisements, incentivizing repeat purchases of cigarettes. The company's decision to include such cards reflects a desire to add value to their product, and also provide consumers with something to collect and trade. The skilled labor that went into the design and printing of these cards contrasts sharply with their role as disposable promotional items. Ultimately, this small card encapsulates the intertwined relationship between art, commerce, and consumer culture. It challenges our traditional notions of art by highlighting the skill and creativity embedded in everyday, mass-produced objects.