Flying Squirrel, from Quadrupeds series (N41) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This lithograph presents a ‘Flying Squirrel’ from the Quadrupeds series by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. The squirrel, captured mid-air against a backdrop of lush foliage, embodies a sense of lightness and freedom. The act of flying, seen throughout history, is a motif of transcendence. This imagery stretches back to ancient mythologies, like Hermes, the messenger god, whose winged sandals allowed him to travel between realms, symbolizing the connection between the earthly and divine. Even in more recent artworks, the squirrel's dynamic posture and free movement elicit emotional and psychological responses. The image may stir a deep-seated desire for liberation. This symbol of freedom and flight has resurfaced throughout history, evolving and adapting to new cultural contexts. It connects our collective past with our present aspirations, reminding us of the timeless human desire to overcome limitations.