Striped Bass, from the Fish from American Waters series (N8) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

This chromolithograph of a Striped Bass was produced as a collectible card, by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. Chromolithography is a color printing technique, using a series of lithographic stones, one for each color, allowing mass production of detailed images. In this card, the material qualities of the paper support a detailed depiction of the fish’s scales and stripes. The process involves skilled labor to prepare the stones and operate the printing presses. This would have been a complex task. It is a labor-intensive process that mirrors the industrial-scale production of the cigarettes with which these cards were packaged. By placing images of natural wonders like the Striped Bass alongside tobacco products, Allen & Ginter blurred the lines between consumerism, education, and the natural world. The artistry and care put into the card's production elevate it beyond mere advertising, reflecting the cultural values and consumption habits of the time. It challenges our traditional ideas around craft, culture, and fine art.