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

Editor: This is "Wolf," a print from the Quadrupeds series made around 1890 for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. I find the juxtaposition of the free wolf and the wolf trap particularly striking, almost as if foreshadowing a loss of innocence. What's your take? Curator: Well, it's fascinating to consider this print within its historical context. Allen & Ginter were, of course, purveyors of mass-produced goods. Prints like these served not only as promotional material, but also as accessible pieces of art for the everyday consumer. Editor: So, you're saying the prints democratized art, but also reinforced consumer culture? Curator: Exactly. These cigarette cards offered a glimpse into a curated view of the world – "Quadrupeds," in this case. Think about the cultural narratives surrounding wolves at the time. Were they seen as majestic creatures or as dangerous predators? How does this card participate in shaping those perceptions? Editor: I see what you mean. The images reinforce a certain dominance over the natural world. There is a hierarchy with man controlling his environment through tools and ultimately trade. Curator: Precisely! Also note the composition: the wolf trap and fleeing wolf paired with an image of commerce and man hunting. Now how do the naturalistic depiction of the wolf and the ukiyo-e artistic style of the piece come together in terms of cultural assumptions or perceptions? Editor: I hadn't thought about that! It makes me question the true purpose of these images: information, art, or product marketing. Thank you, it has given me plenty to think about. Curator: It’s rewarding to unpack how seemingly simple images engage with complex historical and cultural forces. It offers a fresh perspective on how art reflects and shapes society.