Sunday, Center Field, Chicago, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1890

Editor: So, this is "Sunday, Center Field, Chicago," a print from the "Old Judge" series, dating between 1887 and 1890, created by Goodwin & Company. What strikes me most is the simplicity and age of this baseball card, I almost feel transported back in time. It’s sepia-toned and shows a player in action, kind of faded and fragile, but… really evocative! What story do you think this image is telling? Curator: Well, isn’t it like peeking into a forgotten chapter? The wear and tear, almost archaeological, hints at the object's journey and many hands that treasured it. As the central focus, what I'm sensing is the everyday grace, the unsung dedication of someone playing center field. Look how he's reaching. Almost a dance. This was also an advert – how subversive is that, blurring the lines between art, commerce, and popular culture? I wonder how folks at the time perceived it? Editor: A dance, yes I see what you mean, a momentary pose. The cigarette ad aspect adds another layer, doesn't it? Do you think this card captures more than just baseball? Curator: Precisely! It's about fleeting moments immortalized, right? It reflects leisure, aspirations and rituals of a bygone era. Like a little time capsule that triggers collective memory. Editor: I love that – a time capsule! It makes me appreciate how even something as small as a baseball card can hold so much meaning. Thanks, I see the piece in a different light now! Curator: Likewise, every viewing shifts your perspective. A continual unfolding. The card, after all, invites you to partake in its enduring mystery.