Thomas Iverson "Tom" Poorman, Right Field, Milwaukee, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

Editor: This is an 1888 albumen print, a baseball card, part of the "Old Judge" series by Goodwin & Company. It depicts Thomas "Tom" Poorman, a right fielder for Milwaukee. It's so striking how such a mundane subject, a baseball player, is captured in what feels like a really formal portrait style. What do you make of it? Curator: What strikes me is how this card functioned within the social and economic context of its time. These cards weren’t meant to be art initially. They were premiums, inserted into cigarette packs as a marketing tool for Old Judge Cigarettes. How does this mass-produced image, designed to boost cigarette sales, enter a space like The Metropolitan Museum of Art? Editor: That's interesting to consider. How does it move from ephemera to something museum-worthy? Curator: Its presence tells us about changing attitudes toward what constitutes "art." We are interested in the popular culture of the late 19th century, the rise of baseball, and the marketing strategies of the era. This card reflects the increasing commercialization of leisure and the celebrity status afforded to athletes. It's an artifact reflecting a very particular cultural moment. Does it change how you view the card now? Editor: Absolutely. I was initially focused on its aesthetic qualities, but understanding its historical function opens up a whole new dimension. It's not just a portrait; it's a document of social and economic history. Curator: Precisely. And considering its survival, how has the meaning and value of such a small photograph change from its intended use? Editor: So it becomes art because we, as a culture, decided to value it as such. It highlights that cultural shift, which is really interesting. Thanks!