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

This small card featuring a Maltese dog was made around the turn of the 20th century by Goodwin & Company, lithographers for the Old Judge Cigarettes brand. The lithographic process involves using a stone or metal plate with a greasy image, which is then inked and transferred to paper. Here, we see an example of mass production techniques applied to collectible cards, a form of advertising that became wildly popular at the time. The relatively low cost of printing these cards meant they could be widely distributed, tucked into cigarette packs as a promotional gimmick. Note the fine dot screen that gives tone and volume to the image. The image is a reminder of the ways that everyday objects like these were not only products of industrial processes but also carriers of cultural meaning, reflecting contemporary interests in dogs, and of course, the promotion of tobacco consumption. It suggests a complex relationship between commerce, labor, and popular culture. So, next time you see a small printed card, consider the layers of history and production embedded within it.