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

Editor: This is "Striped Bass" from the "Fish from American Waters" series, made in 1889 for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes, now at the Met. The colors are so gentle, and it has a vintage feel, a little like Japanese Ukiyo-e prints. How do you interpret this image in terms of its social context? Curator: It's fascinating how this seemingly simple image exists at the intersection of commerce, art, and leisure in late 19th century America. Think about the cultural values embedded here. It's not just about selling cigarettes; it's promoting an idealized vision of American masculinity tied to outdoor pursuits like fishing. How do we read that today, considering issues of class, access, and environmental impact? Editor: That's a great point about masculinity and class. It does feel like an exclusive image. Is the focus on specific American fauna also significant? Curator: Absolutely. Consider the colonial history and the exploitation of natural resources. The representation of the striped bass could be seen as both a celebration of American abundance and a symptom of a growing industrialization that threatens that abundance. This card becomes a signifier of both privilege and a potential ecological crisis. What is striking about its construction as a colour print? Editor: That makes so much sense! The very act of printing and distributing these images normalizes this viewpoint. The composition almost idealizes the subject matter. I guess, in a way, the card becomes propaganda! The crisp colours attract the viewer, while softening any commentary on environmental impact. It really makes me rethink something as seemingly benign as a collectible card. Curator: Precisely. These kinds of images aren't neutral; they're actively shaping our understanding of the world around us and our place in it. What started as a depiction of a fish for a cigarette card can be unpacked to tell a richer story that encompasses environmental impact, privilege, and power.