George La Blanche "The Marine", from the Celebrities and Prizefighters series (N174) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1888

This card portraying George La Blanche, the boxer, was one of many made by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. It's a printed photograph, a relatively new technology at the time, reproduced on a small scale to be included in cigarette packs. Consider the nature of its production: photography, combined with printing, meant that images could be replicated and distributed widely and cheaply. This had a democratizing effect, making images accessible to a broad public. The card also acts as a form of advertisement. The mass production of collectibles like these intersected with emerging consumer culture. Each card inserted into the cigarette packs encouraged repeat purchases, and fostered a sense of community among collectors. It prompts questions about the relationship between art, commerce, and popular culture in the late 19th century. It's a reminder that the distinctions between fine art and popular ephemera are not always so clear-cut, and that value can be found in unexpected places.