Water Spaniel, from the Dogs of the World series for Old Judge Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century advertising with *Water Spaniel*, a chromolithograph from Goodwin & Company's *Dogs of the World*, produced in 1890 for Old Judge Cigarettes. These petite cards, measuring just 1 1/2 x 2 13/16 inches, were tucked into cigarette packs as collect inserts, sparking a craze among smokers and enthusiasts alike. Featuring a proud Water Spaniel—known for its curly coat and water-retrieving prowess—this piece captures the era's fascination with global dog breeds, blending education with promotion. Chromolithography, the era's pinnacle of color printing, allowed for vivid, mass-produced images that mimicked paintings at a fraction of the cost. Goodwin & Company, a leading tobacco firm, pioneered such series, issuing thousands of designs that turned everyday smokes into treasures. This technique's precision brought the spaniel's glossy fur and alert expression to life, making luxury visuals accessible. Today, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection—a gift of over 30,000 cards—this ephemera highlights advertising's artistic evolution and our enduring love for dogs. A tiny window into Gilded Age collecting culture, it reminds us how commerce fueled creativity.

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...