Michael J. Cody, Catcher, Des Moines Prohibitionists, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

Editor: Here we have Michael J. Cody, a portrait from the "Old Judge" series by Goodwin & Company, dating back to 1889. It looks like an albumen print. I'm immediately struck by the textures, from the rough fabric of his uniform to the glossy surface of the print itself. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Well, considering this albumen print, we must recognize its dual existence as both a photograph and a mass-produced commercial object. This image isn’t simply a portrait of an athlete; it's a commodity, designed to sell cigarettes. Think about the labor involved – from the photographer capturing the image, to the workers printing these cards on albumen paper, a process requiring specific materials and techniques. How does that affect your reading of the image? Editor: That’s interesting. It changes my perception. I wasn't really considering it beyond being a vintage photograph, now that you mention the commercial intention I'm curious about the printing process, which now I feel is the intention of the work. How do you think this impacts the value of it as a historical object? Curator: The commodification elevates it. It speaks volumes about the rise of celebrity culture and the tobacco industry's marketing strategies in the late 19th century. The card acts as a material witness to those processes. Note the ‘Old Judge Cigarettes’ imprint, right there in the front – the intention is there, undisguised. Editor: So it's not just a baseball card, but an artifact that reveals the intersection of sport, commerce, and material culture. This changes completely the original idea I had about it. Thanks for your explanation, Curator. Curator: Absolutely! Remember, it's by interrogating the materials, production and its role in consumption that this seemingly simple image yields fascinating insights.