Snowshoeing, from the Games and Sports series (N165) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This chromolithograph titled ‘Snowshoeing’, was produced by Goodwin & Company around the late 19th century as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. The composition is neatly divided into foreground and background, each with distinct visual elements that play with depth and focus. In the foreground, a portrait of a woman draws us in with its clarity and detail, rendered with a soft, muted palette. The rear reveals a stark contrast, depicting a group of snowshoers rendered with less detail. The artist’s use of contrasting colors creates a visual tension, drawing us between the foreground and the activity in the distance. The snow texture, created through subtle variations in tone and texture, adds depth to the scene. The use of different scales serves to create a sense of space and distance. Ultimately, ‘Snowshoeing’ captures a moment in time and presents a narrative that invites us to reflect on the relationship between activity, landscape and portraiture.