James Thomas "Deacon" McGuire, Catcher, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This is a photographic print made in 1887 by Goodwin & Company as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. It depicts James Thomas "Deacon" McGuire, a catcher for Philadelphia. These cards were a clever marketing strategy, using images of famous athletes to promote cigarette sales. It's a fascinating example of how commercial interests intersect with popular culture. By placing these cards within packs of cigarettes, Goodwin & Company tapped into the growing popularity of baseball and transformed athletes into brand ambassadors. The card also reflects the rise of mass media and the commodification of fame in the late 19th century. To truly understand this image, we can delve into the archives of baseball history, advertising ephemera, and business records. These sources can reveal the intricate web of social and economic forces that shaped the production and consumption of such images. Art is always shaped by the context that surrounds it.