Daffodils (Narcissis Pseudo-Narcissus), from the Flowers series for Old Judge Cigarettes 1890

This chromolithograph of daffodils was created by Goodwin & Company in the late 19th century as part of a series for Old Judge Cigarettes. These cards, inserted into cigarette packs, served as both a novelty for consumers and a form of advertising, reflecting the burgeoning consumer culture of the Gilded Age in the United States. The choice of daffodils, a flower associated with spring and renewal, hints at the way new industrial and commercial institutions were presenting themselves to the public. Chromolithography allowed for mass production of colorful images, democratizing art by making it accessible to a wider audience. While seemingly innocuous, these cards reveal a society grappling with the rise of consumerism and the changing landscape of leisure and advertising. The art historian might ask: How did such commercial ephemera shape aesthetic tastes and cultural values? Researching the history of tobacco advertising, printmaking, and consumer culture would provide valuable insights. Ultimately, this small card encapsulates a pivotal moment in American history.