Tucker, 1st Base, Baltimore Orioles, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This is a card made by Goodwin & Company around 1888, part of their "Old Judge" series, printed using photographic methods on paper. Consider how the mass production of images, like this baseball card, was tied to the rise of both consumer culture and the sports industry. Photography allowed for the relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction of images, making it possible to create collectible cards inserted into cigarette packs, like this one promoting "Old Judge" cigarettes. The image itself, though seemingly simple, speaks volumes about the cultural values of the time. The careful composition, the subject's pose, and the way the photograph captures detail all contribute to the card's appeal as a collectible item. The printing is a skilled process with different stages from initial picture to final print. The image's existence as part of a larger marketing strategy underscores the entanglement of art, industry, and popular culture, and also, of course, the impact of the tobacco industry. This small card offers a glimpse into the intersection of labor, leisure, and commerce in a rapidly changing society.