Mack, Catcher, Washington, from the series Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

Curator: This is an albumen print from 1887, made by Goodwin & Company as part of their Old Judge Cigarettes series. It depicts Mack, Catcher, Washington, a baseball player. Editor: He looks poised, almost crouching like a panther ready to pounce. It's the anticipation, you can feel it. Funny, the sepia tone lends this such a dreamy, wistful air—and yet there's that sharp focus on his posture and gaze. Curator: These cards were actually included in cigarette packs, a clever marketing strategy to appeal to baseball fans. They are a fantastic insight into the cultural significance of baseball at that time. Sport was rising in the collective public awareness in the second half of the 19th century. Editor: Marketing genius! But also… kinda romantic. Imagine finding this card nestled in with your tobacco. Like finding a secret poem dedicated to American athleticism. He is just standing there but what I really like in this is the ball that is suspended in mid-air; I imagine that this detail transports you into a moment when things start to happen and transform from a tranquil scene into a thrilling play. Curator: The “Old Judge Cigarettes” series in general offer fascinating insight into how athletes became popular figures and into how their image was disseminated widely in this specific socio-economic context. Consider how photography played a crucial role here too, immortalizing and packaging players as commodities. Editor: Absolutely. And I love how his clothing has those late 1800's vibes, while he could stand here among us and fit as well in this place with very few adaptations! Time travelling photography, just think about that. It's kind of beautiful and melancholy, you know? Like catching a faded echo of something heroic. Curator: It makes one think about fame, really, and how it functions. It gives me chills thinking about all the aspects involved in constructing celebrity—past and present. Editor: Well, now I see this not just as a portrait of Mack, but a picture of something that never ages… thanks for pointing it out. Curator: My pleasure.