James B. "Jim" Donnelly, 3rd Base, Washington Nationals, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step back to 1887 with this diminutive gem from the Metropolitan Museum of Art: a portrait of James B. "Jim Donnelly, third baseman for the Washington Nationals produced by Goodwin & Company as part of their iconic Old Judge series (N). Measuring just 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches, this albumen photograph—printed on paper using a light-sensitive egg white emulsion—was a promotional insert tucked into Old Judge Cigarette packs. Its crisp detail and warm sepia tones capture Donnelly's poised athleticism, embodying the era's fascination with emerging sports heroes. In the late 19th century, as professi...

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...