Myers, Runner, from the Goodwin Champion series for Old Judge and Gypsy Queen Cigarettes 1888

Curator: This is "Myers, Runner," a colored pencil drawing and print dating back to 1888, from the Goodwin Champion series. Note it was part of an advertisement campaign for Old Judge and Gypsy Queen Cigarettes. Editor: I find its quaint charm delightful. There’s a formality in the athletic portrait; yet the textured background evokes an openness of both countryside and possibilities. The slightly awkward pose lends itself to both endearment and whimsy. Curator: Well, its place within the historical context of burgeoning consumer culture interests me more. Consider that this image, part of a larger set, was designed to encourage collecting habits linked with specific brands. This highlights how marketing techniques shape cultural values, even within something as fleeting as a cigarette card. Editor: But, let’s not overlook the labor that went into its creation, especially within its distribution model. Thousands of these cards were printed, each slipped into cigarette packs, adding value and creating an entire sector of production and consumption with very limited material itself. Who were the artists employed by Goodwin and Company? Curator: Records on the specific artists are limited, sadly. We mostly understand the distribution networks and the socio-political role the imagery played. Think about the romanticism of athleticism being intertwined with addictive products, a signifier of leisure and success directed to a wide public audience. Editor: Fair, but I keep thinking about the artist. This combination of colored pencil and print reflects an intersection of artistry and mechanical reproduction, blurring boundaries. How would those employed and those in ownership reflect the material nature and consumption? A capitalist endeavor? Curator: Absolutely capitalist. We must consider its place within broader histories of advertisement. Editor: And also the hands of the artisans who materialized these desires. These miniature pieces present rich insight into 19th-century commodification. I'll carry that image with me. Curator: A reminder of how art participates in larger societal trends, something to keep considering as we move along the tour.