Carp, from Fish from American Waters series (N39) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1889

This chromolithograph of a carp, part of the "Fish from American Waters" series, was produced by Allen & Ginter for their cigarettes. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, reflect a burgeoning consumer culture. But beyond advertising, they offer a glimpse into the social and cultural attitudes towards nature and leisure. The image layers a close-up illustration of a Carp over a scene of fishermen at work. Made in America, it showcases a rising interest in natural history. Yet, this interest was also tied to economic exploitation, evidenced by the commercial branding of the card. To fully understand this, we need to consider the rise of industrial capitalism and its impact on natural resources. Periodicals, scientific literature, and company archives can provide a richer context. Through them, we can appreciate how even a seemingly simple image is embedded in a complex web of social and economic forces.