Crane, New York, from the series Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This photographic print of baseball player Crane was made by Goodwin & Company, as part of their Old Judge Cigarettes series. The image itself is created through photographic processes, involving light-sensitive materials and chemical development to capture Crane's likeness. But it's important to remember that the value of the image came from its context, a giveaway linked to a specific brand. The sepia tone results from the developing process, giving the print a warm, vintage aesthetic. The material qualities of the print, its texture and weight, speak to its intended use as a collectible item, designed to be traded and displayed. The image offers insight into labor, politics, and consumption at the time. The production of such images was tied to the booming tobacco industry, reflecting consumer culture. The fact that it was a commercial product also emphasizes the industrialization of photography during this time. Looking at the material and the conditions of its making, we can appreciate the social and cultural significance of this photograph. It is not just an image, but an artifact of a specific moment in history, blurring the lines between commerce, craft, and art.