After the Ball, from the Talk of the Diamond set (N135) issued by Duke Sons & Co., a branch of the American Tobacco Company 1888

Editor: This rather comical print, "After the Ball," from 1888 by W. Duke, Sons & Co., is so… unexpected. Made with coloured pencil, it depicts three figures and, honestly, evokes a strong sense of revelry, and perhaps a touch of regret? What strikes you when you look at this piece? Curator: Ah, regret laced with laughter, yes! For me, this piece speaks volumes about the collision of sporting culture and social life in the late 19th century. It's a baseball card, right? A little collectible. On one end we see our ball player outside pitching—almost in heroic action. And then it all spirals hilariously downhill from there. Do you see the graduate in the middle, knocked out next to what can only be a chamber pot? Editor: Oh wow I did not see that… a chamber pot of tissues... Yes! So it seems a narrative about post-game celebrations is presented to us here. Curator: Precisely. It winks at the viewer, a naughty joke about the excesses that might follow an exciting game. This baseball star must've thrown quite the party for himself! Tell me, how does the artist's use of colour inform your interpretation? It almost feels pastel and delicate given the…debauchery in scene. Editor: That is so true! It's like the soft colours are downplaying the drunken scene or making light of it! You expect harsh blacks and dark tones given what it portrays! And why is that man wearing a bandage! Curator: Well, "ball" refers both to the baseball game but "ball" also would be short for masquerade ball… perhaps some dance floor injury! It all invites a good chuckle. And perhaps warns about those fleeting moments of celebration. They always have consequences! Editor: This definitely brings the concept of "work hard, play hard" to a completely different level. Looking closer now, so much I missed the first time. Curator: Exactly! Nuance revealed in the small details, much like the best stories, eh?