McLaughlin, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1890

This card was mass-produced by Goodwin & Company, using photographic means to create an affordable collectible. The card is from the Old Judge series, and these were typically made with albumen prints, a process that involves coating paper with egg white and silver nitrate. These prints were affixed to card stock, creating a durable keepsake. The sepia tone results from the particular chemistry of the albumen process. The Old Judge series exemplified a shift towards mass production and consumption, using photography to create affordable collectibles for a wide audience. These cards were included in cigarette packages as a marketing ploy, and the mass production of such items blurred the lines between art, advertising, and consumer culture. It reflects the social and economic transformations of the late 19th century. The processes and materials used here are a far cry from unique works of art. But looking at this card through the lens of material culture gives us a different perspective, inviting us to consider its place within the broader landscape of industrial production and consumerism.