Clarkson (Ball At Chest), Pitcher, Chicago, from the Gold Coin series (N284) for Gold Coin Chewing Tobacco
Medium
Commercial color lithograph reproducing drawing
Dimensions
Sheet: 3 1/16 x 1 3/4 in. (7.7 x 4.5 cm)
Classification
Prints|Ephemera
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, Gift of Jefferson R. Burdick
Accession Number
63.350.222.284.108
Tags
Art Historical Context
This vibrant 1887 color lithograph captures John Clarkson, the star pitcher for the Chicago White Stockings, in a poised stance with the ball held at his chest. Produced by D. Buchner & Co. of New York as part of the Gold Coin series (N284) for Gold Coin Chewing Tobacco, the small card was designed to be tucked into tobacco packages as a promotional giveaway. Such trade cards helped popularize baseball during its formative professional era, turning players into household names while encouraging repeat purchases of chewing tobacco. The commercial lithograph technique allowed for bright, afford...
About the Artist
D. Buchner & Co., New York · 1850–1900
D. Buchner & Co. was a New York-based tobacco manufacturer prominent in the American market during the 1880s, best known today for its Gold Coin Chewing Tobacco brand and the vivid trade cards the company inserted into its product packaging to drive consumer loyalty. The firm was one of numerous tobacco companies that, during the boom years of American commercial printing, recognized the marketing...