Teemer, Oarsman, from the Goodwin Champion series for Old Judge and Gypsy Queen Cigarettes 1888

This is a chromolithograph trade card of "Teemer, Oarsman," made in the United States around the late 19th century by Goodwin & Company as part of an advertising series for Old Judge and Gypsy Queen Cigarettes. These cards functioned within a culture of collecting and display, offering glimpses into idealized versions of American life. The focus on a strong, athletic oarsman speaks to the rising popularity of sports and physical culture as markers of national identity. The commercial context is key here. The imagery associates the consumption of tobacco with health and vitality, obscuring the actual effects of the product. To fully understand this image, we need to consider the history of advertising, the rise of consumer culture, and the social history of sports in the United States. Research into the marketing strategies of tobacco companies can further reveal the power of such imagery in shaping public perception. Ultimately, understanding the art requires us to understand its place within a specific cultural and institutional landscape.