Weakfish, from Fish from American Waters series (N39) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

This charming 1889 color lithograph, *Weakfish*, comes from the “Fish from American Waters” series (N39) issued by Allen & Ginter, a leading American tobacco company. Measuring just under three by three-and-a-quarter inches, the small print was designed as a collectible insert for cigarette packs. Commercial color lithography made such vivid images affordable to produce in large quantities, turning everyday packaging into miniature works of art that brought scenes of American fishing life into countless households. Part of a broader set celebrating native fish species, the card reflects late-nineteenth-century interest in natural history and outdoor recreation. Allen & Ginter’s series paired accurate depictions of fish with scenic backgrounds featuring boats and waterways, encouraging collectors to assemble complete sets while subtly promoting the brand. Today the print survives in the Metropolitan Museum’s Burdick Collection, reminding visitors how commercial ephemera once served as both advertisement and popular art. The crisp registration of color and fine detailing of scales and water demonstrate the technical skill of firms like Lindner, Eddy & Claus, who specialized in these lively trade cards. Though modest in scale, *Weakfish* captures a moment when American industry and popular taste intersected to make colorful imagery widely accessible.

About the Artist

Lindner, Eddy & Claus|Allen & Ginter (American|American) · | – |

American, Richmond, Virginia|American, New York