W Williamson, Shortstop, Chicago, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1890

This card featuring W. Williamson, shortstop for Chicago, was made by Goodwin & Company, New York, as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. These cards weren't conceived as high art, but as promotional items, bundled with tobacco products. The late 19th century saw baseball rising in popularity, reflecting broader social changes in America. Urbanisation and industrialisation created a new working class with more leisure time. Baseball offered a form of entertainment and a sense of community. The image of Williamson, in uniform, was designed to appeal to consumers: buy our cigarettes, and get a piece of the American pastime. The commercialisation of sports was well underway. Understanding this image requires examining the cultural and economic history of the time. What role did advertising play in shaping public perceptions? How did the rise of spectator sports reflect changing social values? Art historians use diverse sources – newspapers, advertisements, company records – to reveal the complex interactions between art, commerce, and society.