O'Rourke (Hands On Thighs), Catcher, New York, from the Gold Coin series (N284) for Gold Coin Chewing Tobacco

About this artwork

This prints|ephemera by american artist D. Buchner & Co., New York exemplifies the artistic achievements of 1887. American artists of this period were establishing distinct visual traditions while engaging with European artistic movements. The artist's work in commercial color lithograph reproducing drawing demonstrates the importance of printmaking as both an artistic medium and a means of disseminating images widely. Executed in commercial color lithograph reproducing drawing, this work demons...

Art Historical Context

In 1887, as baseball surged in popularity across America, D. Buchner & Co., a New York printing firm, produced this vibrant commercial color lithograph as part of the Gold Coin (N284) for Gold Coin Chewing Tobacco.itled *O'Rourke (Hands Thighs), Catcher New York*, it captures the poised stance of James "Orator Jim" O'Rourke, a star catcher for the New York, in a compact 3 1/16 x 1 3/4-inch sheet. These tiny trade cards were collectible advertisements, blending sports heroism with consumer promotion during a time when tobacco companies eagerly sponsored athletes to appeal to fans. The medium—a...

About the Artist

D. Buchner & Co., New York · 1850–1900

D. Buchner & Co. was a New York-based tobacco manufacturer prominent in the American market during the 1880s, best known today for its Gold Coin Chewing Tobacco brand and the vivid trade cards the company inserted into its product packaging to drive consumer loyalty. The firm was one of numerous tobacco companies that, during the boom years of American commercial printing, recognized the marketing...