McLaughlin, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century American baseball with *McLaughlin, from the Old Judge seriesN172)*, a tiny yet captivating albumen photograph produced by J. Wood for Goodwin & Company between 1887 and 1890. This pocket-sized portrait (just 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches) captures the stern gaze of athlete McLaughlin, likely posed in his baseball uniform, embodying the era's growing obsession with the sport. Issued as inserts in Old Judge Cigarette packs, these cards were ingenious marketing tools that turned everyday smokers into collectors, blending tobacco promotion with sports fandom. ...