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

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th advertising with *Pointer*, a charming commercial color lithograph from Goodwin & Company's *Dogs of the World*, created in 1890 for Old Judge Cigarettes. petite print (just 1 1/2 x 2 13/16 inches) captures the elegant form of a Pointer dog, a breed renowned for its poised hunting stance. Cigarette cards like this one were tucked into tobacco packs as collectible incentives, sparking a craze among smokers and turning everyday ephemera into treasured keepsakes that celebrated global dog breeds. The artwork showcases the artistry of color lithography, a revolutionary printing technique that enabled mass production of vivid, multi-hued images at low cost. Goodwin & Company, a leading tobacco firm, leveraged this method to promote their brand while appealing to the era's growing fascination with purebred dogs and natural history. These cards bridged commerce and culture, reflecting Victorian interests in animal illustration and breed standardization. Today, *Pointer* resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, part of the Jefferson R. Burdick Collection—a monumental gift of over 30,000 ephemera items. It reminds us how humble trade cards preserve slices of history, blending commercial savvy with artistic flair.

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...