Edward M. Daily, Pitcher, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This card, picturing Edward M. Daily, a Philadelphia pitcher, was made by Goodwin & Company in 1887, and included in packs of Old Judge Cigarettes. It is a paper print, using photographic techniques that were quite new at the time. Looking closely, you can see the image's texture. It comes both from the qualities of the original photograph, and the printing process used to mass produce these cards. Cigarette cards were made to be collected, and given away en masse, making them a perfect example of early consumer culture. Though modest, these cards created a direct link between commercial products, celebrity athletes, and the everyday lives of consumers. Think about the labor involved in making these cards. From the photographers, to the factory workers who printed and packaged them, this card reflects the industrialization and commercialization of leisure in the late 19th century. It challenges our traditional ideas about art, pointing us toward the historical context of its production, as well as its aesthetic qualities.