King of the Amazons, from the Occupations for Women series (N166) for Old Judge and Dogs Head Cigarettes 1887

This is a chromolithograph, a color print, created by Goodwin & Company around the turn of the 20th century as part of a series of cigarette cards. Chromolithography was a groundbreaking process involving the use of multiple lithographic stones, one for each color, to create vibrant images. The material itself, cheap cardstock, speaks to its intended purpose: a small throwaway included in cigarette packs. The image depicts a woman in theatrical garb – what the manufacturer imagined an Amazonian King to look like. What’s striking is the collision of high and low. While the subject matter evokes classical mythology and high art, the production method reflects the rise of consumer culture and industrial printing. These cards were produced in massive quantities. They were meant to be collected and traded, thus creating value from something essentially disposable. This card offers a glimpse into the intersection of art, advertising, and the burgeoning consumerism of the era. It reminds us to consider the social and economic forces that shape the art we see.