Great Bird of Paradise, from the Birds of the Tropics series (N5) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

This chromolithograph of a Great Bird of Paradise was made by Allen & Ginter for their series of cigarette cards. These cards, popular in the late 19th century United States, offered a glimpse into exotic worlds, and the bird of paradise, native to New Guinea, certainly fit the bill. The image reflects a Western fascination with the natural world, but also a commercial exploitation of it. Cigarette companies used these cards to promote their brands and to encourage collecting, fostering a culture of consumerism that was rapidly expanding at the time. The cards served as miniature encyclopedias, educating consumers about different cultures, sports, and, as in this case, the natural world. As historians, we can analyze these cards as artifacts of a specific time and place. By examining trade cards in the context of the history of advertising, and the social history of collecting, we can better understand the complex relationship between commerce, culture, and the natural world.