Irwin, 3rd Base, Washington, from the series Old Judge Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the early days of America's pastime with *Irwin, 3rd Base, Washington*, a captivating 1888 albumen print photograph from Goodwin & Company's *Old Judge Cigarettes*. This cabinet card captures the poised portrait of Irwin, a third baseman for the Washington baseball team, embodying the grit and grace of 19th-century athletes. Produced by the tobacco company as promotional inserts in cigarette packs, these cards were among the first mass-produced baseball photographs, turning players into household names and fueling the sport's rising popularity. The albumen printing process, a hallma...

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...