The Catcher, "Sock'em in," from the Terrors of America set (N136) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1888 - 1889

Editor: So, this is "The Catcher, Sock 'em in," a print made around 1888 as part of the "Terrors of America" set, published by W. Duke Sons & Co. to advertise their tobacco. It’s a portrait of a barefoot boy. The first thing that struck me was the almost cartoonish feel of the image—especially how this scruffy kid in the catcher's mitt is framed by decorative floral patterns. It feels so... playful, despite the grittiness. What do you see when you look at it? Curator: Playful is a good word! It tickles me that the “terrors of America” include a kid playing baseball, hawking tobacco! I find it absolutely marvelous! These trade cards, often slipped into cigarette packs, used colorful, eye-catching images to grab attention. This particular card blends genres-- portraiture, ukiyo-e (those decorative frames give it away), and, I daresay, genre painting -- showing everyday life in America. I mean, what’s more American than baseball? Does the kid's worn, earnest face tell you anything? Editor: It’s kind of charming. The bare feet and stained clothes make me wonder what the working conditions were for kids at the time, but the flowers and lettering add a humorous take. Curator: Exactly. This contrast between the grit and the prettiness is, in a way, the heart of it. Duke Sons & Co., and others, employed child labor extensively. Here we see something almost grotesque—idealized cuteness selling carcinogenic addiction—and what does it do to you? Editor: It's definitely a bizarre, almost satirical snapshot of Americana, packaging hard reality within sweet fantasy. Curator: Precisely. The 'sock'em in’ phrase coupled with the catcher's focused gaze tells us to be ever ready; opportunities never come knocking so have yourself ready with an ever so loving sock to take whatever prize life throws your way, it doesn't matter where it came from or what it sells so long as you "sock'em in," and capitalize. A somewhat predatory vision from my POV, wouldn't you say? Editor: Totally different layers. A kid, selling smoking with flowers to boot… Wow. Curator: I learn so much chatting about these with you, maybe next time, we chat over the "benefits" of said product? I have to confess, some do sound rather pleasant. Editor: That... sounds like a plan!