Michael "Silent Mike" Joseph Tiernan, Right Field, New York, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

Editor: So, this is "Michael 'Silent Mike' Joseph Tiernan, Right Field, New York," a baseball card from the Old Judge series, made in 1887 by Goodwin & Company. It’s an albumen print, and it’s so intriguing – a moment frozen in time. It feels almost like a glimpse into the very early days of celebrity endorsements. What are your initial thoughts on it? Curator: Well, it’s fascinating to consider this within the burgeoning consumer culture of the late 19th century. Tobacco companies were early adopters of using celebrity images to sell their products. This card represents a key intersection of sports, commerce, and visual culture. Note the phrase on the bottom of the image. How did tobacco companies like Goodwin and Co. impact the growth of baseball as a national sport? Editor: That’s an interesting point. The commercial aspect makes it feel less about art and more about advertising, even though it's displayed in a museum now. Was photography considered "art" at this time, given that these cards would be treated as ephemeral objects? Curator: Exactly. The albumen print process, though photographically based, was seen as reproducible and, therefore, less “high art.” The image's function determined its initial value and reception. Think about how the democratization of photography changed portraiture's role in society, no longer exclusively for the wealthy. Does that shift influence your understanding of this piece? Editor: It does. I always think of formal portraits, but this casual pose, mass-produced... it bridges a gap between fine art and popular culture in a really unique way. It's like an early form of sports memorabilia, almost. Curator: Precisely! And remember, the ‘Old Judge’ brand evokes a sense of authority and tradition. It subtly implied that smoking these cigarettes aligned you with a certain elevated social status and access to athletic excellence. Editor: It really shifts my perspective to think about the power dynamics at play, both in terms of commercialism and social aspirations tied to baseball. Thank you for showing me those new layers! Curator: My pleasure! It’s important to always consider the role that power plays when art enters public spaces. This simple baseball card is loaded with social history.