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

This “Pet Lamb” card comes from a series made by Wm. S. Kimball & Co., most likely using lithography, a printing technique popular in the late 19th century. The process involves drawing an image on a stone or metal plate, treating it to hold ink in specific areas, and then transferring it to paper. The material qualities of the card are crucial here. Its small size suggests mass production and distribution, fitting into a broader culture of collecting and trade. Unlike a unique painting or sculpture, this card was one of many, circulated widely to promote Kimball's tobacco products. The soft texture and muted colors, achieved through lithography, lend a sentimental appeal, typical of the era's idealized depictions of domestic life. The image romanticizes rural life, yet its creation was deeply embedded in industrial processes. Kimball's company relied on factory labor and global trade networks to produce and distribute these cards, connecting the idyllic scene to the realities of labor, commerce, and consumerism. Understanding these connections enriches our appreciation, challenging the perceived divide between art and commercial craft.