Mino Bird, from the Song Birds of the World series (N23) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century advertising with *Mino Bird* from the *Song Birds the World* series (23), issued by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890. Produced George S. Harris &, this petite commercial color lithograph—measuring just 2 3/4 x 1 1/2 inches—was designed as a collectible insert in cigarette packs. At a time when tobacco companies like Allen & Ginter pioneered these "trade cards," they transformed everyday packaging into educational treasures, sparking a collecting craze among enthusiasts of all ages. The artwork showcases the striking Mino Bird through chromolithography, a revolutionary printing technique that layered vibrant colors with stunning precision for mass production. This ephemera exemplifies the era's blend of commerce and natural history, popularizing global avian species amid the Gilded Age's fascination with exploration and ornithology. Though humble in scale, its bold hues and detailed depiction highlight the artistry behind promotional prints. Today, this gem resides in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, part of The Jefferson R. Burdick Collection—a monumental gift that preserves thousands of such everyday artifacts. It reminds us how fleeting marketing materials captured enduring beauty, bridging art, science, and consumer culture.

About the Artist

George S. Harris & Sons|Allen & Ginter (American|American) · | – |

American, Richmond, Virginia|American, Philadelphia