Ed Crane, Pitcher, New York, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

Editor: This is an 1888 photograph called "Ed Crane, Pitcher, New York, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes", currently held at the Met. What strikes me is the baseball player's formal pose, almost like a portrait. What do you see in this piece, particularly within its historical context? Curator: This card is a fascinating intersection of sports, commercialism, and early photographic techniques. "Old Judge" Cigarettes used these cards as a promotional tool; think of it as a precursor to modern-day trading cards or even athlete endorsements. Its existence highlights how the burgeoning baseball industry strategically leveraged images to build a fan base and promote their brand, while simultaneously constructing celebrity around its players. Editor: So, it's less about art and more about advertising? Curator: It’s both. The portrait style reflects the social conventions of the time. But more interestingly, its existence is tied to the democratization of photography, where mass-produced images shaped public perception and even elevated certain athletes to almost mythical status. This photograph is part of a series which collectively created a visual archive that helped define baseball and solidify its place in popular culture. The card became a collectable, driving demand. What kind of public figures are seen on collectibles today, and what does that suggest? Editor: That's a great question! Now I’m seeing how deeply rooted the celebrity culture and advertisement truly were, and that such things remain. Curator: Exactly, this artifact provides unique insight. I, too, walk away thinking about this commercial transaction with refreshed eyes!