James Albert, Pedestrian, from the Goodwin Champion series for Old Judge and Gypsy Queen Cigarettes 1888

This late 19th century chromolithograph was produced by Goodwin & Company as a promotional insert for Old Judge and Gypsy Queen Cigarettes. It depicts James Albert, identified as a "pedestrian," that is, a competitive walker. These cards emerged during a boom in consumer culture and mass media. They were designed to be collected and traded, fostering a sense of community among consumers. The imagery reflected the values and aspirations of the time, with a focus on sports, entertainment, and prominent figures. Here, for example, the star's suit and tie perhaps speak to the aspirations of the working man. We also note the flag pin in the lapel. Understanding the artwork necessitates delving into archives of advertising history, exploring the social and economic context of its creation and reception. By exploring this we can comprehend how such artifacts contribute to the construction of cultural values.