Pompadour, from the Song Birds of the World series (N42) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This small chromolithograph, "Pompadour," was printed by Allen & Ginter, an American tobacco company, as a collectible insert in cigarette packs. The image is a testament to the techniques of mass production. Chromolithography, a color printing method, allowed for affordable and vibrant reproductions. The Pompadour is rendered with remarkable detail, and the quality of the print is surprisingly high for such a commercial item. The depiction of the exotic bird and feather offered consumers a glimpse into the wider world, fueling both curiosity and a desire for collecting. The card’s existence speaks volumes about consumer culture and the role of industries like tobacco in shaping popular taste. While the image itself may seem innocuous, it is important to consider the amount of labor that went into producing these cards, and the context in which they were consumed. It challenges traditional notions of fine art, prompting us to consider how art and commerce intersect.