Leopard, from the Quadrupeds series (N21) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th advertising with *Leopard, from the Quadrupeds series (N21)*, a tiny commercial color lithograph produced in 1890 by Allen & Ginter, with lithography by Lindner, Eddy & Claus This pocket-sized gem (just 1 1/2 x 2 3/4 inches) was tucked into cigarette packs as a collectible insert, part of a popular trend where tobacco companies like Allen & Ginter fueled a collecting craze among enthusiasts. The series showcased majestic animals like this sleek leopard, blending education with promotion to captivate smokers and families alike. Chromolithography, the medium here, was a breakthrough technique allowing vivid, multi-color prints at scale—perfect for mass production. Its bold hues and precise detailing highlight the leopard's fierce grace, reflecting the era's fascination with exotic wildlife amid growing global exploration and zoos. As ephemera, these cards were meant to be disposable, yet their artistic quality endures. Today, housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department from the Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, this piece reveals how everyday commerce sparked a visual culture boom, turning advertising into art. A delightful glimpse into Gilded Age collecting!

About the Artist

Allen & Ginter|Lindner, Eddy & Claus

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...