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

Curator: Well, hello there, you striking little creature. He almost looks like he knows a secret! Editor: He does! An odd mix of fragile and haughty, isn’t it? I wonder, does the artist portray it accurately or…embellish its features for the viewer? Curator: Let’s unravel this a bit. This is actually “Chinese Crested,” and it’s from the "Dogs of the World" series created around 1890 for Old Judge Cigarettes by Goodwin & Company. Editor: Ah, one of those series! Placing a very privileged canine – seemingly exotic, anyway -- in the hands of the smoking masses. Coloured pencil and print... I wonder, who was this really aimed at? Was it the wealthy cigarette smokers, or were the images intended to create the aspirations of exotic tastes in other social circles? Curator: Intriguing question! The Old Judge cards were inserted in cigarette packs, collectible cards showing baseball players and actresses too. Editor: Of course, this fits right into a history of cultural fascination with perceived exoticness. Chinese Crested, like many breeds, suffered massively during war periods and relied entirely on passionate enthusiasts to protect the species. And here it is in print for mass consumption. Is that little patch of faded green where it stands some sign of pastoral idyll for sale too? Curator: The details and faded background only enhance his curious appearance. There’s something slightly ethereal, even slightly forlorn, about the little guy's presentation. Editor: Well, yes, though consider how those details were used to elevate certain "breeds," certain images of privilege, in a time when such distinctions could mask some very real violence. Perhaps there’s a deeper unease at play with him on that commercial print, under the name ‘Chinese Crested,’ considering the racist policies enforced by the United States against Chinese citizens at the time? Curator: Ah, always to the point, thank you! Now, I can’t help but think about my own somewhat ridiculous poodle, Prudence. I do feel an affinity here. But, let's zoom out. What larger dialogues does this print invite? Editor: Perhaps considering the long cultural road of class structure. Maybe to simply ask "Who gets named, and who gets commodified?". I can't look at a collectible piece like this anymore without layering our conversations around identity into my assessment. Curator: An insightful connection between this pup's historical and sociopolitical context. Thanks, as always, for broadening our view. Editor: Always happy to complicate!