Joseph "Joe" Strauss, 3rd Base, Omaha Omahogs/ Lambs, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This small paper card, produced by Goodwin & Company, features Joseph "Joe" Strauss, a 3rd base player for the Omaha Omahogs, and was included in packs of Old Judge Cigarettes. The sepia-toned photograph, likely mass-produced, embodies a fascinating intersection of sport, commerce, and visual culture. The material, thin and ephemeral, speaks to its intended function as a collectible item, meant to be traded and accumulated. The image itself, a carefully posed portrait, captures Strauss in action, yet it also highlights the marketing strategy of linking athleticism with the consumption of tobacco products. The mass production of these cards reflects the burgeoning industrial era and the rise of consumer culture, where even leisure activities were commodified and packaged for sale. Ultimately, this card serves as a reminder of the intricate relationships between art, industry, and society, blurring the lines between fine art and the everyday objects that shape our lives.