George Quintus Shoch, Right Field, Washington Nationals, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This small photograph of George Quintus Shoch, a right fielder for the Washington Nationals, was made as a promotional item for Old Judge Cigarettes. It's a mass-produced object, meant to be collected and traded, and it reflects the commercialization of baseball in the late 19th century. The photograph is printed on thin paper, and its sepia tone gives it a nostalgic feel. This card wasn't originally intended to be an artwork; it was a marketing tool. But it still has a certain aesthetic appeal, in the way that it captures a moment in time. It also reveals a lot about the changing nature of labor. Shoch is depicted not in the heat of athletic action, but rather in a moment of quiet preparation. Ultimately, the Old Judge series demonstrates how even everyday objects can become valuable artifacts, telling us about the culture and economy of their time. It challenges us to consider the value of materials, and the process of making in understanding the full meaning of an artwork.