Arabian Camel, from the Animals of the World series (T180), issued by Abdul Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

In the late 19th century, manufacturers like Abdul Cigarettes revolutionized marketing by including collectible cards in their packs, sparking a global hobby among smokers and enthusiasts. *Arabian Camel, from Animals of the World seriesT180)*, issued 1881, exemplifies trend. Part of a popular educational set cataloged as T180 by collectors, this tiny chromolithograph (1 5/8 × 2 3/4 in.) depicts the resilient Arabian camel, a vital beast of burden in desert trade routes, evoking the exotic wonders of far-off lands for Victorian audiences. Chromolithography, a pioneering color printing technique, allowed for vibrant, mass-produced images at low cost, transforming ephemera into accessible art. Here, layered lithographic stones captured the camel's shaggy hump and alert gaze with surprising detail, blending scientific illustration with commercial appeal. Collected avidly, these cards promoted brand loyalty while subtly educating on global wildlife. Today, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection—a treasure trove of printed ephemera—this print highlights how everyday objects bridged art, commerce, and curiosity, preserving snapshots of imperial-era fascination with the natural world.

About the Artist

Abdul Cigarettes · 1881–1881

Abdul Cigarettes, an enigmatic American entity active solely in 1881, stands as a fascinating footnote in the history of commercial art, best known for producing vibrant chromolithograph trade cards inserted into cigarette packages as promotional inserts. Little is documented about its origins or personnel, suggesting it operated as a short-lived publishing venture rather than the work of a singul...