Maryland Yellow-throat, from the Song Birds of the World series (N23) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This lithograph of a Maryland Yellow-throat, part of a series called "Song Birds of the World", was made by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette packs. These cards, common in the late 19th century, served as both collectible items and a clever marketing strategy. Beyond their commercial function, these images reflect a growing interest in natural history and the scientific classification of species, ideas which had a great influence on the cultural and intellectual life of the time. The focus on the "Maryland Yellow-throat" as an exotic, collectable object tells us much about how people from the time were perceiving nature. For the art historian, understanding these cards involves exploring how commercial interests intersect with scientific knowledge and popular culture. Resources like trade catalogs, company archives, and period publications can help us understand the complex networks that gave these images meaning and value. Through careful analysis, we can uncover the social and institutional forces that shape our understanding of art and its place in the world.