James Dickson "Dick" Phelan, 2nd Base, Des Moines Prohibitionists, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes
1888–89
Medium
Albumen photograph
Dimensions
sheet: 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 in. (6.9 x 3.5 cm)
Classification
Photographs|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
63.350.215.172.1817
Tags
Art Historical Context
Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century baseball with this charming albumen photograph from Goodwin & Company's Old Judge seriesN172), produced between 1888 and 1889. Titled *James Dickson "Dick"helan, 2nd Base, Des Moines Prohibitionists it captures the poised figure of Phelan, a skilled second baseman for the minor-league Des Moines team. At just 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches, this tiny portrait was designed as a collectible insert in Old Judge cigarette packs, sparking a craze among fans and marking one of the earliest forms of sports memorabilia. These cards, part of a massive series featuri...
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...