Golden Plover, from the Game Birds series (N40) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888 - 1890

This is a lithograph of a Golden Plover, from the Game Birds series, which was produced in the United States by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs as a marketing tactic. The image reflects a culture of hunting and leisure, as well as the commercialization of nature in the late 19th century. The Golden Plover is presented as a desirable object, both for its beauty and as a target for sport. Note the visual cues of wealth, the careful staging of nature and hunting, and the proud dog beside a rifle. This card tells us much about who the cigarette company was marketing to. To understand the image more fully, we can research the history of advertising, popular pastimes, and the cultural attitudes toward nature at the time. These cards offer a unique window into the social values and economic forces that shaped American society. By exploring these contexts, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between art, commerce, and culture.