Catbird, from the Birds of America series (N37) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Behold the delicate **Catbird** from Allen & Ginter's *s of America* seriesN37), a charming 1888 commercial color lithograph measuring just 2⅞ × 3¼ inches. Produced by the pioneering tobacco company Allen & Ginter, this print was one of countless collectible trade cards tucked into cigarette packs, transforming everyday smoking into a gateway for education and whimsy. Part of a beloved series celebrating American wildlife, it captures the catbird's sleek form and subtle plumage with naturalistic precision, inviting viewers to appreciate avian beauty amid the Gilded Age's commercial bustle. Chromolithography, the medium here, revolutionized mass printing in the late 19th century, allowing vibrant, multi-layered colors to be reproduced affordably on a grand scale. Allen & Ginter's cards were artistic ephemera—disposable yet exquisite—blending scientific illustration with advertising flair. Today, preserved in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection (a treasure trove of prints and Americana), this catbird exemplifies how commerce fueled popular culture, sparking collecting crazes that endure among enthusiasts of birds, history, and vintage design. Fun fact: These pocket-sized wonders educated a generation on ornithology while boosting brand loyalty—what a feathered fusion of art and commerce!

About the Artist

Allen & Ginter

Allen & Ginter, the pioneering American tobacco firm based in Richmond, Virginia, emerged around 1880 from the partnership of John F. Allen and Lewis Ginter, evolving from Allen's earlier John F. Allen & Company. Allen retired in 1882, succeeded by John Pope, yet the brand endured under Ginter's leadership, employing over 1,100 workers—mostly women—for hand-rolled cigarettes by 1886. Ginter, a Dut...