Persian Gazelle, from the Wild Animals of the World series (N25) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

Editor: This is "Persian Gazelle, from the Wild Animals of the World series" created around 1888 by Allen & Ginter, it's a watercolor print. There's something delicate, almost melancholic about this gazelle's gaze. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: The gaze holds significant power. What do you see reflected in those eyes? It's a portal, of sorts, to cultural memory. Consider how animal portraits like these became wildly popular as trade cards, offering glimpses of the exotic world during a period of increasing globalization and burgeoning consumerism. The gazelle, in particular, is interesting given its longstanding association with grace and gentility but also, historically, as a symbol of the beloved in Persian literature. The watercolor medium used to make this print imparts softness that can convey the gazelle's gentle spirit but also, perhaps, a sense of vulnerability as the world becomes ever less 'wild.' Editor: I see what you mean. So, the vulnerability hints at something beyond the animal itself – maybe a broader cultural anxiety? Curator: Precisely. The seemingly straightforward image resonates with cultural anxieties regarding rapidly changing human and natural landscapes, making it far more complex than it appears on the surface. Do you think the elements surrounding the gazelle—the floral background and Ukiyo-e inspired composition—strengthen or weaken this feeling? Editor: The floral background definitely softens it, giving it an almost idyllic feel. And that ties in with what I have read about Japonisme and its tendency to depict the natural world as serene. I wouldn't have picked up on any of that on my own. Thanks for your insight! Curator: My pleasure. Looking at images is about looking for the threads of meaning that connect us to history. And I'm always on the lookout for those threads to create dialogues and narratives across cultures.