Elderberry, from the Fruits series (N12) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1891

This small card for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes brands features a young girl with a sprig of elderberries, rendered with the delicate touch of popular lithography. The elderberry itself carries layers of meaning. In ancient lore, it was believed to ward off evil spirits and illness, holding a protective aura. The clustering of the berries might evoke fertility and abundance, resonating with primal desires for sustenance and well-being. Echoes of these beliefs can be found across cultures and throughout history, from ancient medicinal practices to folklore tales of witches and magical groves. The transformation of the elderberry—from a symbol of protection to one of folk medicine—reveals the cyclical nature of cultural memory. The girl's gentle touch hints at a reverence for nature, engaging the viewer on a subconscious level. The berries become a symbol of life's fragility. This humble image, born of commerce, taps into deep-seated fears and hopes, demonstrating how symbols persist, evolve, and reemerge.