Wood Duck, from the Game Birds series (N13) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

Editor: This is "Wood Duck," from the Game Birds series, an 1889 watercolor and print by Allen & Ginter, adorning a cigarette card. It feels quite ornate for something that was essentially disposable! What strikes you most about this little treasure? Curator: Ah, this isn't just any cigarette card; it's a portal, isn't it? To a time when even everyday ephemera flirted with artistry. I am reminded that the wood duck seems caught mid-squawk, doesn’t it? The intensity of its call frozen in a blend of impressionistic freedom and almost Japonisme decorative flair. Does that floral flourish in the corner remind you of anything? Editor: Yes, the asymmetrical composition has that Japanese woodblock vibe. How did a cigarette company end up producing something so artistically intriguing? Curator: Think of it as early branding meets cultural aspiration. Allen & Ginter, seeking to elevate their image, tapped into the late 19th-century craze for exoticism and art. But let's not forget it’s an advertisement; does knowing it served a commercial function influence your perception of its artistic merit? Editor: That’s a good point, perhaps. Knowing it was intended as marketing cheapens it somewhat, and yet the quality shines through, right? I still think this tiny card encapsulates a moment in art history – a collision of commerce and artistic influence. Curator: Precisely! And maybe that tension, that paradox, is where the true interest lies. A simple image can invite contemplation on something surprisingly layered. Editor: So, the next time I bum a smoke, I’ll make sure I ask for the pack with the priceless art attached! Thank you.