John Montgomery Ward, Captain and Shortstop, New York, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

Curator: This striking portrait is part of a series of baseball cards from 1887, specifically "John Montgomery Ward, Captain and Shortstop, New York, from the Old Judge series." Goodwin & Company, a prominent name in cigarette manufacturing, produced these. Editor: It has a sepia tint, lending it an air of seriousness and bygone masculinity. I am immediately drawn to Ward's steady gaze, somehow suggesting the weight of his leadership. It's fascinating how such a small format—likely printed on card stock for insertion in cigarette packs—can carry so much perceived gravity. Curator: Precisely. We must consider the socio-economic context of these cards. Tobacco companies like Goodwin were booming, and using images of famous figures like Ward was an astute marketing tactic to boost sales. Think about it – the mass production, the distribution network... It's not just art, it's also industry. The card itself became a commodity, reflecting late 19th century consumerism. Editor: Indeed, and what symbols were chosen to convey authority and skill? Ward is well-dressed and impeccably groomed with a distinct, dignified gaze that links him with ideals of the age—perhaps duty, athleticism, and nascent celebrity. The baseball team became the iconographic representation of turn-of-the-century American strength. The card format links him with icons of previous historical ages, shrunk to be portable. Curator: Good point. We often forget that photography was still somewhat novel at the time. Consider the materiality: these images weren't meant to last. Gelatin-silver prints can be quite delicate, so the survival of these cards provides valuable material evidence. Also, note the specific baseball team reference in the caption--that carries its own historical weight. Editor: And in an interesting contrast, placing his portrait in the hands of smokers surely imbued a grittier edge to his image and that of the sport, which could become more rebellious. This reminds us how complex the symbolism of sports stars became, linking heroism and commercial promotion to dangerous habits. Curator: I appreciate you teasing that out. Ultimately, analyzing such an object as this requires a thorough understanding of both its physical existence and the social world in which it was made and used. Editor: Yes, tracing both the obvious and more elusive associations triggered by a single image provides us with many possible interpretations, adding richness to our engagement with such ephemera.