Twitchell, Pitcher, Detroit, from the series Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

Curator: This gelatin-silver print, titled "Twitchell, Pitcher, Detroit, from the series Old Judge Cigarettes," was produced by Goodwin & Company in 1887. It now resides here at the Met. Editor: What a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era! The sepia tones give it this incredible sense of nostalgia. There's something almost theatrical about it, don't you think? Like a player caught between the stage and the baseball diamond. Curator: These baseball cards were actually inserted into Old Judge Cigarettes packs as a marketing tactic. This was a hugely popular method for promoting all sorts of products in the late 19th century, intertwining popular culture with the burgeoning advertising industry. Editor: Oh, that explains the slightly staged feel, doesn't it? And the slightly dreamy backdrop of a rooftop field... So, baseball, tobacco, and photography all rolled into one collectible item. I wonder if Mr. Twitchell ever envisioned his portrait hanging in a museum one day? Curator: These cards democratized portraiture in a way. Prior to this, a professional portrait was an item of status. All of a sudden everyday people could have a mass produced portrait, albeit one intended to sell cigarettes, of famous sports figures. They reflect an increasing focus on celebrity and sport as accessible forms of popular entertainment. Editor: I love how seemingly mundane objects can unlock such rich stories about society and culture. The image has a vulnerability; he looks so young! Curator: These Old Judge Cigarette cards offer a tangible connection to the Gilded Age and highlight how mass production techniques can reshape our relationship with representation, fame, and leisure. Editor: It's funny to think of baseball cards as being some of the earliest influencers! This has completely shifted my perspective. Thanks for that.