Stag, from the Wild Animals of the World series (N25) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph of a stag, part of a series for Allen & Ginter cigarettes, presents us with an image imbued with ancient symbolism. The stag, with its magnificent antlers, has long been a symbol of virility, strength, and the wild, untamed spirit of nature. Consider its presence in Paleolithic cave paintings, or its role in classical mythology, where it is associated with deities like Artemis or Diana, the goddess of the hunt. Even the legend of Saint Eustace involves a vision of Christ between the antlers of a stag. The image evokes a deep-seated response, tapping into our collective memory of the animal's majestic presence in the forest. Through centuries, the stag's image reappears, its meaning shifting yet always retaining a connection to primal forces. Such imagery, repeated across cultures and epochs, is a testament to the enduring power of visual symbols and their ability to stir the human soul. The stag has resurfaced, evolving and carrying new meanings.