Horning, Left Field, Boston, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

Editor: Here we have "Horning, Left Field, Boston," part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series, created by Goodwin & Company in 1887. It seems like a simple baseball card at first glance, but the sepia tone and formal pose give it an air of seriousness. What makes this piece significant to you? Curator: The Old Judge series is fascinating when viewed through a socio-political lens. These weren’t created simply for art's sake, but as promotional material. Cigarette companies like Goodwin & Co. used imagery of athletes to appeal to a broad consumer base, leveraging the popularity of baseball to sell their products. Editor: So, it's a form of early advertising using celebrity endorsement? Curator: Precisely! Consider the target audience and the public image of athletes at the time. These cards helped build a connection between smoking and ideals like athleticism, success, and American values. Do you think a similar advertisement strategy could be efficient today? Editor: Maybe. But what stands out to me is the format - trading cards - creating almost a community of collectors connected by these artifacts and shared ideas around sports and, unknowingly, smoking. Curator: Exactly. It shows how commercial interests can shape cultural memory. Images that began as advertisements now serve as historical documents of a particular time and place in American culture. We begin to consider that all art may have its origins in similar marketing ideas to some degree, perhaps. Editor: That's a powerful perspective. I will remember to consider more broadly when analyzing other artworks and media objects. Curator: As will I!