Pole Vaulting, from the Games and Sports series (N165) for Old Judge Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century ephemera with *Pole Vaulting* from Goodwin & Company's *Games and Sports* series (N165), produced in 1889 for Old Judge Cig. This petite commercial color lithograph, just 1 1/2 x 2 3/4 inches, captures a dynamic moment of a female athlete mid-vault, her form poised with determination. Issued as collectible inserts in cigarette packs, these cards were a clever marketing ploy that turned everyday smokers into enthusiasts of sports and leisure. Chromolithography, the era's breakthrough in affordable color printing, brought this scene to life with bold hues and crisp details, making high-quality illustrations accessible to the masses. Goodwin & Company, a leading tobacco firm, produced thousands of such cards, blending commerce with popular culture during a time when organized sports were booming in America. Notably, the depiction of a woman pole vaulter highlights the gradual rise of female athleticism amid Victorian constraints, challenging norms and inspiring collectors. Preserved in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, this tiny print offers a window into how everyday objects documented—and democratized—evolving social roles.

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...