Albatross, from the Birds of America series (N4) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

This small lithograph, printed by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette brand, depicts a solitary albatross standing on a rock, an image seemingly straightforward. Yet, within this bird lies a wealth of symbolic meaning, as the albatross is a symbol of good luck. From Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner", the albatross carries the weight of fate, a bird whose presence brings both salvation and curse. The mariner's act of killing the albatross unleashes a torrent of misfortune. This romantic symbol harkens back to an earlier time, where in ancient lore, birds are messengers of the gods, connecting the earthly and the divine. This image taps into our collective unconscious, evoking a sense of reverence and awe mixed with foreboding. The albatross standing alone encapsulates a profound, emotionally charged narrative. The albatross becomes an icon that carries the memory of the past, resonating with our innermost selves.