William Frederick "Bill" Krieg, Catcher, Minneapolis, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This card featuring William Frederick "Bill" Krieg, a catcher for Minneapolis, was produced by Goodwin & Company around 1881 as part of a series for Old Judge Cigarettes. It's a humble object made through photography and industrial printing, yet it opens up a fascinating perspective on American culture. Consider how the card’s materiality connects to commerce and consumption. Its small size meant it could be included in a cigarette pack, acting as both advertising and collectible. The photograph itself is a product of skilled labor, carefully staged and reproduced. The image's sepia tone and paper texture evoke a sense of nostalgia, but also speak to the material conditions of its production, where photography was intertwined with marketing. The mass production of these cards reflects the rise of consumer culture in the late 19th century, as baseball, cigarettes, and images became commodities. By looking at this seemingly simple card, we can appreciate how materials, making, and context all contribute to its meaning, blurring the lines between fine art, craft, and everyday life.