Wild Rose (Rosa Lucida), from the Flowers series for Old Judge Cigarettes 1890

This is a chromolithograph of a Wild Rose, made by Goodwin & Company as part of a series of flower images to be included in packages of Old Judge Cigarettes. These cards are made by transferring an image to stone or metal plates, one for each color, then printed in layers, building up the full picture. The resulting print has a distinctive surface, a kind of pixilation that results from the layering of the different colors. The process was highly industrialized, allowing the mass production of colorful images at a time when color printing was still relatively rare. These cards were essentially a marketing ploy, meant to encourage repeat purchases, and also build brand loyalty. They also speak to the rise of consumer culture in the late 19th century, where manufactured goods became increasingly accessible. So, while the image itself seems simple, even quaint, it is important to remember it as a product of a specific time and place, deeply enmeshed in the history of manufacturing and consumption. By understanding how it was made, we can better appreciate its cultural significance.