Wallace Fessenden, Umpire, National League, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This albumen silver print was produced in the United States around 1889 by Goodwin & Company for their Old Judge Cigarettes series. It depicts Wallace Fessenden, an umpire in the National League, standing in his uniform. Considered within the social context of its time, this image highlights the burgeoning commercial culture in America. As baseball's popularity grew, so did the market for related memorabilia. This card, distributed with cigarette packs, served as both advertisement and collectible, blurring the lines between commerce and fandom. The photographic medium, still relatively new, lent an air of authenticity and immediacy, connecting consumers to the sports figures they admired. Understanding this image requires delving into the history of baseball, advertising, and photography in late 19th-century America. Examining trade publications, team rosters, and photographic archives can provide a richer understanding of its cultural significance. Art is always rooted in a specific time and place.