Oliver Wendell "Patsy" Tebeau, 3rd Base, Cleveland, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1890

This photographic print of Oliver Wendell "Patsy" Tebeau, a 3rd Base player for Cleveland, was created in the United States as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. Produced by Goodwin & Company, it provides an interesting insight into the popular culture and marketing strategies of the late 19th century. Tobacco companies frequently used images of famous athletes to promote their products, aligning smoking with ideals of athleticism and success. Note how the photograph is designed for mass production and distribution as part of a broader advertising campaign. The image speaks to the burgeoning popularity of baseball as a national sport and the rise of celebrity culture. To understand this image better, we might research the history of baseball and advertising, as well as the social history of smoking. What we learn from this research allows us to appreciate how art is embedded in social context.