African Flamingo, from the Birds of the Tropics series (N5) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

This is 'African Flamingo' from the 'Birds of the Tropics' series, a collectible card produced by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette brands. These cards existed within a broader cultural context of exploration, commerce, and colonialism. They offered glimpses of faraway lands and exotic wildlife to consumers in the United States, thus fueling curiosity but also reinforcing a sense of Western dominance. The Flamingo, in particular, becomes a symbol of both the allure and the exploitation inherent in such representations. Consider how the simple act of collecting these cards may have shaped the perception of both the natural world and the people who inhabited these distant lands. The card itself, through its commercial function, speaks to the interweaving of nature, consumerism, and imperial power. How do you feel about the ethics of using images of nature to sell consumer goods?