Beagle, from the Dogs of the World series for Old Judge Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the whimsical world of 19th-century advertising with *Beagle, from the Dogs of the World series for Old Judge Cigarettes produced by Goodwin & Company 1890. This commercial color lithograph captures the, soulful gaze of a beagle, one of many dog breeds featured in the series. Sized at just 1 1/2 x 2 13/16 inches—perfect for slipping into a cigarette pack—these tiny treasures were designed as collectible inserts, sparking a craze among smokers and dog enthusiasts alike. Chromolithography, the medium here, revolutionized printing by enabling vibrant, multi-color images on a mass scale at low cost. Goodwin & Company, a leading tobacco firm, leveraged this technique to promote their Old Judge brand through captivating animal portraits, blending commerce with popular fascination for global dog breeds. These ephemera prints reflect the era's booming advertising industry and growing interest in purebred dogs as symbols of status and affection. Today, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department as part of the Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, this beagle reminds us how everyday objects became cultural icons. Burdick's generous gift preserves these snapshots of Victorian leisure, inviting us to appreciate the artistry in advertising history. (198 words)

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...