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

This small chromolithograph of a pointer dog was created by Goodwin & Company as part of the "Dogs of the World" series for Old Judge Cigarettes. Note how the artist uses a simplified composition. The profile of the dog is set against a neutral background, with minimal detail. The focus is on the dog's form, delineated by smooth lines and flat areas of color. The limited palette of browns, whites, and muted greens enhances the sense of clarity and order. The image acts as a sign, referencing not just a specific breed of dog but also broader cultural ideas about domestication and the natural world. The commercial context of its creation – as a promotional item – challenges traditional notions of artistic value. The artwork invites us to reconsider how meaning is created through image, text, and context.