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

This small chromolithograph of a German Mastiff was produced by Goodwin & Company as part of the "Dogs of the World" series, used to promote Old Judge Cigarettes. The image creates meaning through its visual codes and cultural references. The late 19th century witnessed the rise of consumer culture, and the use of collectible cards like this one, was a popular marketing strategy. These cards often depicted idealized versions of various subjects, and this image is no different. The German Mastiff is shown here as a noble and strong breed, thus associating these qualities with the Old Judge Cigarettes brand. The social conditions of the time also influenced the production of this artwork. The late 19th century saw increased industrialization and urbanization, leading to new forms of leisure and consumption. Cigarette cards were a part of this new culture, reflecting the changing social landscape. To fully understand an artwork like this, one would need to research the history of advertising, consumer culture, and the social role of animals in the 19th century. This kind of research emphasizes how the meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional context.