Lion, from Quadrupeds series (N41) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This Lion, from the Quadrupeds series, was made by Allen & Ginter for their Cigarettes. These cards were chromolithographs, a color printing technique that became popular in the late 19th century. It allowed for mass production of colorful images, capturing a sense of realism that aligned with the rise of consumer culture. The texture of the card is smooth, designed to fit neatly into cigarette packs. The colors are vivid, meant to catch the eye and entice smokers to collect the whole series. Notice how the lion is positioned in a majestic pose, yet the bars of a cage and a fallen crown imply captivity and lost power. The process of chromolithography involved skilled labor, with artisans meticulously transferring images onto stones for printing. These cards reflect a society grappling with industrialization, where mass production and consumerism shaped leisure activities and cultural values. They blur the lines between art and advertising, reflecting a time when commerce and creativity were closely intertwined.