John Francis Coleman, Right Field, Pittsburgh, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This is a baseball card of John Francis Coleman, Right Field for Pittsburgh, made in 1888 by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. The card is made of paper, likely mass-produced using photolithography, a process that allowed for relatively quick and cheap reproduction of images. Consider how the industrialization of printing enabled the widespread distribution of images like this one, effectively turning athletes into commodities. The card was included in packs of cigarettes, creating a direct link between leisure, consumption, and celebrity. It's a fascinating example of how the rise of capitalism and mass media transformed not only the art world but also the world of sports. These small cards offer a glimpse into the cultural values and commercial strategies of the late 19th century. So, remember that even something as seemingly simple as a baseball card can tell us a great deal about the social and economic forces at play during its time.