Mexican Hairless, from the Dogs of the World series for Old Judge Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the whimsical world of 19th-century collectibles with *Mexican Hairless, from Dogs of the World series (1890), a vibrant commercial color lithograph produced Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. This card, measuring just 1 1/2 x 2 13/16 inches, captures the distinctive, sleek form of the ancient Mexican Hairless dog—also known as the Xolocuintli—in a lively pose that highlights its unique, hairless elegance and alert expression. These cards were part of a popular tobacco premium series, where collectors eagerly traded inserts from cigarette packs to amass sets depicting dog breeds from around the globe. Chromolithography, the medium here, revolutionized commercial printing in the late 1800s, allowing for vivid, multi-layered colors on a mass scale without the high cost of hand-painting. As ephemera from the Jefferson R. Burdick Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, it exemplifies how everyday advertising fueled a collecting craze, blending artistry with consumer culture. Today, this tiny print offers a window into Victorian-era fascination with exotic animals and breeds, reminding us of the Mexican Hairless's revered status in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica as a companion and guardian. 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...