Apteryx, from Birds of the Tropics series (N38) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1889

This chromolithograph of an Apteryx, or kiwi, comes to us from Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. Chromolithography was a popular 19th-century printing technique, enabling the mass production of colorful images. The process involved using multiple lithographic stones, one for each color, which were carefully aligned to create a layered image. This allowed for complex color combinations, as seen in the kiwi's feathers and the tropical backdrop. But while the result is visually appealing, the labor was intensive, relying on skilled workers to prepare the stones and operate the printing presses. These cards were essentially marketing premiums, included in cigarette packs to encourage sales, and reflect the era's burgeoning consumer culture. So this image isn't just a picture, it's a small artifact of 19th-century industry. It asks us to think about the complex relationship between art, labor, and the economics of desire.