Pug, from the Dogs of the World series for Old Judge Cigarettes 1890

Editor: This little portrait, a print called "Pug, from the Dogs of the World series for Old Judge Cigarettes," created by Goodwin & Company around 1890, has such a curious formality to it. It makes me wonder, what significance did the pug hold in popular culture at the time? Curator: That’s a wonderful question! Beyond just being a 'cute' dog, pugs, historically, were often associated with royalty and nobility, particularly in Europe. Their image carries symbolic weight of luxury, companionship, and even faithfulness. Notice how the artist presents the pug; it’s not romping in a field but posed with an almost regal bearing. Doesn't the gaze meet yours directly? What emotional message do you think that creates? Editor: That direct gaze definitely conveys confidence, maybe even a touch of haughtiness. It’s intriguing to think this image was on a cigarette card, making that aristocratic association accessible to the everyday smoker. Curator: Precisely! The choice of a pug, rather than, say, a working dog, speaks volumes about the aspirations and cultural values being projected. It is also fascinating to explore the popular fascination with miniature and ukiyo-e art from this time period. Editor: It really shifts my understanding to think about how symbols and imagery connect to both historical context and personal identity. Thanks, this has given me much to consider! Curator: My pleasure! The layers of meaning in something as seemingly simple as a dog portrait reveal fascinating aspects of cultural memory and the ongoing dialogue between images and viewers.