Cardinal (Lobelia cardinalis), from the Flowers series for Old Judge Cigarettes 1890

Curator: This print showcases the 'Cardinal (Lobelia cardinalis),' a piece from Goodwin & Company's 'Flowers' series designed for Old Judge Cigarettes, dating back to 1890. Editor: Immediately, I'm drawn to the boldness of the red against that textured, golden backdrop. There’s something so striking about its composition. It has almost a hyperreal, but somehow still ethereal quality. Curator: It’s fascinating to see this blend of impressionistic aesthetics with the commercial purpose of a cigarette card. Tobacco companies frequently used these cards to increase brand recognition, often depicting popular interests. Editor: The choice of the Cardinal flower—its vibrancy, the upward thrust of the stem—it all feels so purposeful. Are we meant to associate that upward movement with aspiration or…the smoke rising? Curator: Perhaps both. The visual language aligns with fin-de-siècle optimism while serving the immediate function of marketing. The series would have been collected, traded, influencing visual culture at a grassroots level. The symbolism of red could signal energy and vitality. Editor: I agree; the red is just incredibly concentrated. How the light catches those petals, creating these subtle gradients, shows a real command of the medium. It avoids flatness and imbues the image with depth. It’s much more than just simple botanical art. Curator: These cards entered circulation at a pivotal moment, contributing to debates about aesthetics, value, and what constituted 'art'. Editor: It is really beautiful. I appreciate that this flower, captured so vibrantly, exists now in our collection to experience so long after it fulfilled its original commercial intent. Curator: Absolutely; seeing its enduring charm reminds me how interwoven commerce, culture, and art truly are. It prompts questions about artistic creation within certain power structures.