Ancient Tournament, from the Games and Sports series (N165) for Old Judge Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century advertising with *Ancient Tournament*, a charming commercial color lithograph from Goodwin & Company's Games and Sports series (N) for Old Judge Cig, produced in 1889. These tiny cards, measuring just 1 1/2 x 2 3/4 inches, were tucked into cigarette packs as collectible incentives, sparking a craze among enthusiasts. Issued by the New York-based tobacco firm, the series captured the era's fascination with athletics, blending historical themes with contemporary excitement. Chromolithography, the innovative printing technique used here, allowed for vivid, multi-color reproductions at scale, making high-quality images accessible to the masses. This card likely evokes a romanticized ancient tournament—think jousts or contests—with a nod to women in sports, a progressive tag in Victorian times when female athleticism was gaining traction amid emerging women's rights movements. Its ephemera status underscores how everyday commerce fueled popular culture and collecting. Today, preserved in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, this petite print offers a window into Gilded Age leisure, reminding us how tobacco trade cards bridged art, sport, and social change. A delightful snapshot of history in your pocket!

About the Artist

Goodwin & Company · 1850–1950

**Goodwin & Company (ca. 1850–1950)** Goodwin & Company, originally established as E. Goodwin and Brother before the American Civil War, emerged as a prominent New York City-based tobacco manufacturer in the mid-19th century. Operating from the bustling heart of Manhattan, the firm built its reputation on popular cigarette brands such as Gypsy Queen and, most notably, Old Judge, which became syno...