Clarkson, Pitcher, Chicago, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

Editor: Here we have "Clarkson, Pitcher, Chicago," a photograph dating back to 1887, part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. It's such a striking portrait; there’s something incredibly poised about Clarkson's stance. I am curious, how do you read this image? Curator: This albumen print gives us a fascinating snapshot – pun intended – of the late 19th century's burgeoning relationship between sports, celebrity culture, and commercial enterprise. The "Old Judge Cigarettes" banner at the top immediately signals its function as an advertising tool, which shaped the early visibility of athletes. These weren’t just images; they were commodities, circulated widely and collected, contributing to the idolization of baseball players like Clarkson. Notice also how staged this “realistic” action shot looks. Editor: It does feel very constructed now that you point that out! It is interesting to think that a photo could be carefully constructed even back then. Does this type of mass produced, easily shared image have an impact on visual culture and portraiture beyond just celebrity? Curator: Absolutely. This card participates in a larger visual economy that normalizes celebrity portraiture and, crucially, makes it accessible. Think about how images like this shaped ideas of masculinity, athleticism, and even civic pride, considering he’s representing "Chicago." The baseball card’s portability made Clarkson a ubiquitous figure, far beyond his immediate playing field. Editor: So it’s almost like proto-internet culture, where images rapidly spread and shape our perceptions of public figures. Curator: Precisely. It democratizes portraiture, taking it outside the confines of painted likenesses available only to the wealthy, thereby changing not only art and commerce, but public engagement in society and popular culture. Editor: It's incredible to consider the layers of meaning embedded in something that seems, on the surface, like a simple baseball card. I appreciate this deeper insight into the societal context and circulation of images.