Hughes, Pitcher, Brooklyn, from the series Old Judge Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 1880s baseball with *Hughes, Pitcher, Brooklyn*, a captivating albumen photograph from Goodwin & Company's iconic Old Judge Cigarettes series Produced in 1888, this card captures the poised intensity of Brooklyn's star pitcher, Hughes, likely in his team uniform, embodying the raw energy of America's burgeoning national pastime. At the time, professional baseball was exploding in popularity, and tobacco companies like Goodwin cleverly capitalized on it by inserting these player portraits into cigarette packs as promotional giveaways, turning everyday smokers into...

About the Artist

Goodwin & Company · 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...