Mattimore, Pitcher, Philadelphia Athletics, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

Curator: At first glance, this sepia-toned image presents us with an interesting mix of formal portraiture and commercial appeal. It has such a nostalgic feeling! Editor: Agreed. This albumen print, titled "Mattimore, Pitcher, Philadelphia Athletics, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes", really exemplifies how art became intertwined with consumer culture in the late 19th century. Created in 1888 by Goodwin & Company. The process and materials say so much. Curator: Tell me more about this 'Old Judge' series. Editor: Goodwin & Company were clearly tapping into the burgeoning popularity of baseball. They were not simply capturing an image; they were manufacturing a collectible commodity meant to be consumed along with their cigarettes. Baseball players' cards became a kind of currency for fandom. Notice that at the bottom of the print, there is also text indicating ‘Copyright by Goodwin & Co, 1888’. Curator: It is more than an individual portrait. The portrait serves a very public and economic function. The pose, attire – everything is meticulously curated to promote Mattimore and, simultaneously, Old Judge Cigarettes. Think about how these cards circulated, their availability shaping popular opinion. Editor: And how were they made, and how available were they? These cards circulated because of the mass production methods associated with photography at the time. They democratized art to some degree, making images more accessible than painted portraits ever were, but tied it to consumerism, like cigarettes. Curator: Yes, this print acts as a time capsule, capturing not only the image of Mattimore but the complex interplay of celebrity, sports, and consumerism that still pervades our culture today. Looking at it allows us to examine the values and visual language being promoted at the time, the public's perception of athleticism and success, and the overall role of photography in constructing and disseminating those ideals. Editor: It's also an interesting window into the labor involved. Who were the workers producing these prints en masse, and what were their conditions? This seemingly simple image prompts us to consider the larger systems of production and consumption at play. Curator: I'm taking away that images such as these highlight the relationship between the game, the players, and the economy and continue to perpetuate today. Editor: Absolutely! It helps us examine the social context that created the baseball celebrity and what it means.