William Byrd Page, High Jumper, from the Goodwin Champion series for Old Judge and Gypsy Queen Cigarettes 1888

Curator: This is “William Byrd Page, High Jumper," a print from 1888, part of the Goodwin Champion series promoting Old Judge and Gypsy Queen Cigarettes. It’s currently held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: My first thought? Stiff. A beautifully rigid posture! It reminds me of those old-timey photos where folks tried to look like they’d swallowed a ruler. And is it just me, or does that brick-red crisscross look oddly pasted on? Curator: The figure's pose certainly speaks to conventions of portraiture at the time, emphasizing dignity and composure. These cards were meant to convey the perceived virtues of athletes alongside the products they advertised, creating a powerful association. The Goodwin company really aimed at democratizing celebrity and athleticism. Editor: Democratizing by linking it to tobacco! Irony, thy name is 19th-century marketing. The choice to highlight someone doing sport makes a fascinating juxtaposition to the passive reception one associates with consuming tobacco. Almost a wishful cognitive dissonance there? Curator: Exactly. Sporting heroes endorsed these products, subtly aligning smoking with vitality and achievement. The material of the image also contributed: printed cards were widely accessible, spreading this association far and wide. In an era where social mobility was gaining momentum, athletic success—even through a tiny print—carried significant cultural weight. Editor: The composition itself has such an odd innocence to it; a portrait seemingly captured spontaneously in his back garden, while the reality feels overtly staged. Perhaps this strange conflict contributes to it having a sense of naivety—and charm! It really brings the story of image-making, representation, and social messaging together nicely. Curator: Yes, the layered commentary provides a useful example for considering our current media and promotional imagery. Editor: I concur. Plus, it’s a reminder that, however posed or ‘stiff’ our outward face to the world, the heart of it all often holds true and, in turn, makes us that bit special!