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

"Newfoundland" from the Dogs of the World series for Old Judge Cigarettes was created by Goodwin & Company. This unassuming card is a window into the late 19th century when consumer culture was burgeoning. The dog, a Newfoundland, stands as a symbol of loyalty, companionship, and even status, subtly marketed alongside tobacco. Consider the historical context: the rise of industrial capitalism, the expansion of global trade, and the growing awareness of different cultures and species around the world. This card participates in a visual ordering of the world, presenting different breeds of dogs as collectible commodities. The Dogs of the World series highlights the human desire to categorize and domesticate the natural world. What does it mean to classify and collect these images? What unspoken values and assumptions are embedded in this seemingly innocent depiction of a dog? The emotional connection we form with animals, and how that connection is shaped by commerce, is palpable. This card, small as it is, reflects broader societal trends. It invites us to consider how we assign value and meaning to the world around us.