James William "Jim" Keenan, Catcher, Cincinnati, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes
1887–90
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
63.350.215.172.1133
Tags
Art Historical Context
Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century American sports culture with this petite albumen photograph from Goodwin & Company's iconic Old Judge series (N172). Produced between 1887 and 1890, it features James William "Jim" Ke, a skilled catcher for the Cincinnati baseball team, posed confidently in his uniform. At just 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches, this ephemera was originally tucked into packs of Old Judge Cigarettes a promotional insert, blending advertising savvy with the growing passion for professional baseball. These cards marked a pivotal moment in sports history, as Major League Baseball ...
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...