Nichols, Left Field, Pittsburgh, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1890

Editor: This piece, “Nichols, Left Field, Pittsburgh,” is from the Old Judge series created by Goodwin & Company between 1887 and 1890. It's a vintage baseball card, a photographic print actually used as an advertisement for cigarettes! I am curious, with this blurring between art and advertising, what jumps out at you? Curator: You know, the real catch of this piece, for me, is that the very act of creating this card was as much a marketing stunt as it was a cultural statement! It reflects the rise of baseball, the popularization of photography, and, of course, the aggressive advertising tactics of the era. Look at how baseball players began emerging as recognizable heroes. What strikes you about Nichols’ posture and expression? Editor: He almost seems shy, not the typical image we have of an athlete. Curator: Exactly! This card captures a quieter moment, contrasting with the spectacle of the game itself. He is simultaneously a figure of emerging celebrity, thanks to burgeoning mass media, but the photograph captures an ordinary person in the making. The wear and tear only underscores the historical touch it provides. It’s like holding a piece of history, a tangible connection to a bygone era. The ephemeral intersecting the monumental... quite touching really! Editor: I see it now; the blending of advertising and art almost creates a time capsule. It gives an insight into the culture and celebrity worship of that period. Curator: Absolutely! This little card reveals a surprising depth when you consider all the factors at play. Each little defect shows its endurance. Editor: It makes me consider how our own advertisements reflect our modern values. Thank you! Curator: A delight as always! I love a piece that prompts self-reflection.