James P. "Jim" Conway, Pitcher, Kansas City Cowboys, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This card, printed by Goodwin & Company in the late 19th century, is from the Old Judge Cigarettes series, and it features James P. "Jim" Conway, a pitcher for the Kansas City Cowboys. The image would have been captured on a glass plate negative, likely using the wet collodion process. This technique demanded considerable skill and speed, as the plate had to be prepared, exposed, and developed before the emulsion dried. The sepia tone is inherent to the printing process, involving silver salts reacting to light on paper. Consider that this card wasn't originally intended as a precious artwork. Instead, it was a promotional item, mass-produced and included in cigarette packs to encourage sales. The act of collecting and trading these cards transformed them into cultural artifacts, reflecting a growing interest in celebrity and consumer culture. Looking closely at the material and its origins helps us understand the cultural forces at play. It challenges our conventional understanding of art, which can often overlook the value and historical importance of items made for everyday use.