Kilroy, Pitcher, Baltimore Orioles, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This photographic print of Kilroy, a baseball pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, was made by Goodwin & Company, as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. The image is printed on a small card, designed to be collected. In its original context, this was far from high art; the purpose was to get consumers hooked on a brand. The sepia tone gives the photograph a nostalgic feel, but this was a fairly standard color for commercial photography at the time. Consider that this image would have been mass-produced on an industrial scale, quite unlike the work of a painter or sculptor in their studio. These cards were churned out in enormous quantities, tucked into cigarette packs, and then rapidly discarded by most. The survival of this particular example allows us to reflect on the nature of celebrity, consumption, and the enduring appeal of America’s favorite pastime. Hopefully, this has given you a fresh appreciation for the full meaning of this humble, yet evocative, artifact.