Lovett, Pitcher, Brooklyn, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1890

This photographic print of Lovett, a pitcher for the Brooklyn team, was produced by Goodwin & Company as part of their Old Judge Cigarettes series. These cards, small and mass-produced, were included in cigarette packs. The sepia tone of the photograph gives it a nostalgic feel, but it also speaks to the industrial processes of photography at the time. The image was likely captured using a glass plate negative and then printed in large quantities, a process that involved both skilled labor and industrial efficiency. The card itself is a testament to the rise of consumer culture and the intersection of sports, advertising, and tobacco. It highlights how photography was becoming a tool for promoting products and creating a culture of celebrity around athletes. The mass production of these cards speaks to the growing industrialization of leisure and the commodification of everyday life. This object bridges the gap between fine art and commercial ephemera, prompting us to consider the social and economic forces that shape our visual landscape.