Pet Pigeon, from the Household Pets series (N194) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1891

This chromolithograph, titled "Pet Pigeon", was part of a series produced by the Wm. S. Kimball & Company, a 19th-century tobacco firm. These cards, distributed with their products, offer a glimpse into the cultural values of the time. The image depicts a fair-skinned woman in a blue dress, adorned with lace, standing on a balcony with pigeons. Note the delicate balance between the woman and the birds, symbolizing themes of domesticity and control within the Victorian era. The woman's attire and setting indicate a certain social class, while the presence of the pigeons as "pets" suggests a fascination with nature domesticated. The card reflects an era grappling with rapid industrialization alongside sentimental ideals of femininity and nature. "Pet Pigeon" speaks to the cultural narratives that shaped perceptions of women and their relationship to the natural world. It invites us to reflect on the social expectations of that time and their impact on identity.