Trott, Catcher, Baltimore Orioles, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This photographic print of Trott, a catcher for the Baltimore Orioles, was made by Goodwin & Company around 1888 as part of a series of baseball cards packaged with Old Judge Cigarettes. The photograph itself, likely a collodion print, reveals much about the modes of production at the time. These cards were not considered high art; their purpose was commercial, designed to promote cigarette sales. The sepia tone and the texture of the card give it a vintage feel, but it's important to remember that this was mass-produced imagery, a far cry from a unique art object. The act of collecting these cards became a phenomenon, blurring the lines between fandom, advertisement, and material culture. The relatively small size reflects its intended purpose, to be included in cigarette packs, and the inherent disposability of everyday capitalist exchange. Looking at this card, we are reminded that context and intention play a crucial role in how we perceive art. It invites us to reconsider what we value and how consumer culture shapes our understanding of artistry and memorabilia.