Black-Throated Golden Pheasant, from Birds of the Tropics series (N38) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1889

This is “Black-Throated Golden Pheasant” from the “Birds of the Tropics” series, a chromolithograph card created by Allen & Ginter for their cigarettes. The card is dominated by the vibrant, meticulously rendered figure of the pheasant. Observe how the composition divides the scene into distinct panels, each filled with detailed foliage that serves as a backdrop. The juxtaposition of the bird's vivid colors against the softer, diffused tones of the surrounding flora creates a visually striking effect. This division into distinct pictorial planes invites us to consider the card not just as an advertisement, but as a constructed semiotic space. Here, the exotic bird stands as a signifier of luxury and escape, designed to resonate with the consumer's desires. The flattening of perspective emphasizes the artifice, reminding us that this image is carefully constructed to convey particular values. It is through this interplay of form and content that the card transcends its commercial function, becoming a study in desire and representation.