William Frederick "Pop" Schriver, Catcher, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century baseball with this petite albumen photograph from the Old Judge series (N), produced by Goodwin & in 1887. Titled *William Frederick "Pop"river, Catcher,*, it captures the stoic gaze of "Pop" Schriver, skilled catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies baseball's formative professional era. Measuring just 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches, this tiny portrait was designed as a collectible insert in Old Judge Cigarette packs, transforming everyday tobacco products into gateways for sports fandom. Albumen prints, made by coating paper with egg whites and silver salts for sharp detail and warm tones, were the gold standard for photography in the 1880s. Goodwin & Company revolutionized ephemera by issuing over 500 such cards, creating the first comprehensive visual archive of Major League players. These cards not only celebrated athletic heroes but also fueled the burgeoning hobby of card collecting, bridging art, commerce, and popular culture. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection—a treasure trove of vintage prints and ephemera gifted by the avid collector—this piece highlights baseball's rise as America's pastime. It's a snapshot of grit and glory, reminding us how everyday objects preserved the stars of yesteryear.

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...