F.W. Foster, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century baseball with *F.W. Foster* from the Old Judge seriesN172), a diminutive yet captivating albumen photograph produced by Goodwin & Company, with photography by J. Wood, between 1887 and1890. This tiny portrait (just 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches) captures the athlete in a moment of poised intensity, emblematic of the era's growing obsession with America's pastime. Issued as inserts in Old Judge Cigarettes packs, these cards were promotional ephemera that fueled early sports fandom and collecting culture. The Old Judge series revolutionized baseball memorabi...

About the Artist

Goodwin & Company|J. Wood · 1850–1950

**Goodwin & Company (ca. 1850–1950)** Goodwin & Company, originally established as E. Goodwin and Brother before the American Civil War, emerged as a prominent New York City-based tobacco manufacturer in the mid-19th century. Operating from the bustling heart of Manhattan, the firm built its reputation on popular cigarette brands such as Gypsy Queen and, most notably, Old Judge, which became syno...