Crimson Topaz, from Birds of the Tropics series (N38) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1889

Curator: Here we have "Crimson Topaz, from Birds of the Tropics series (N38) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes," dating back to 1889. It’s currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: First impression? Delightfully absurd. Like a fever dream distilled into a tiny rectangle. Is that even a real bird? It’s got the proportions of a mythical beast, perched so serenely. Curator: The work showcases Allen & Ginter’s exploration of Art Nouveau and Japonisme influences. Note the division of the artwork into two halves, separating the tropical vista and the bird itself. The artist uses watercolor and coloured pencil to striking effect. Editor: Ah, Japonisme. Yes, I see the flattening of space, the almost decorative quality of the flora. It reminds me of a theatre set, doesn’t it? Artificial, vibrant, yet somehow… yearning? Curator: It’s a print, originally produced as a promotional item inserted in cigarette packs. Therefore, its intent blends art and commerce, highlighting a colonial fascination with exotic landscapes and species. The interplay of text and image invites critical reading. Editor: So, essentially a collectible piece of marketing that somehow morphed into art! It's a strange hybrid, the visual equivalent of a catchy jingle. All those bright colours are really hypnotic—a bid for our attention back then, and it still works now. And this “Crimson Topaz”, this majestic bird, suddenly becomes a brand ambassador. Curator: Precisely! The composition balances realism with artistic license, serving both an informative and aesthetic function. The precise rendering contrasts sharply with the decorative flourishes of the text. Editor: Well, looking at the bird again, it’s just…poised. Regal, almost. A little beacon of wildness amid the encroaching fog of consumerism. Or, perhaps, co-opted by it. Hard to tell with these historical artifacts. Curator: Yes, such ambiguities render the artwork enduringly fascinating. Editor: Exactly! Thank you, I never would have noticed those nuances without your expertise. Now, I might have to hunt down one of those old cigarette packs just for this.