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

Goodwin & Company produced this image of a bloodhound as part of the Dogs of the World series, intended as collectible cards for Old Judge Cigarettes. Cigarette cards became popular at the end of the 19th century, often reflecting the cultural values and interests of the time. The choice to feature a bloodhound is particularly loaded; these dogs have historically been used for tracking and hunting, most notably to pursue enslaved people escaping plantations. The dog's docile pose here belies a violent history. What does it mean to commodify an image of a dog breed so closely tied to slavery and racial oppression? This small card opens up questions about complicity, inviting us to consider how everyday objects can perpetuate painful histories, and how these histories continue to shape our present.