Robert James "Bob" Gilks, Pitcher, Cleveland, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This small photograph of Robert James "Bob" Gilks, a pitcher for Cleveland, was produced by Goodwin & Company as a promotional item for Old Judge Cigarettes. Made in the late 19th century, this baseball card exemplifies the intersection of commerce, celebrity, and leisure in American culture. The image creates meaning through its visual codes. Gilks is presented in his baseball uniform, signaling his athletic prowess and status. The card also features the branding for Old Judge Cigarettes, illustrating the commercial interests behind the image's production. The use of photography, a relatively new technology at the time, speaks to the increasing accessibility and popularity of visual media. To understand this image better, researchers might consult advertising archives, sports history resources, and studies of consumer culture. It’s a reminder that art is not made in a vacuum but is always contingent on social and institutional contexts.