Charley Bassett, 2nd Base, Indianapolis, from the series Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1889

Curator: This captivating image, created between 1887 and 1889, showcases Charley Bassett, the second baseman for Indianapolis. It’s from the “Old Judge Cigarettes” series. Produced by Goodwin & Company, it's a gelatin silver print. Editor: Striking! The composition feels remarkably balanced. His stance, the placement of the baseball bat… It's elegant, considering its documentary purpose. The tonal range achieved in this print—sepia and soft contrasts, is incredible. Curator: Indeed. What’s compelling here is the convergence of consumer culture and the burgeoning world of professional sports. Goodwin & Company wasn't just making art; they were mass-producing these images as trade cards, a promotional tool tucked into cigarette packs. Editor: So, this is essentially an advertisement? How fascinating. I find myself drawn to the surface of the print itself – that slight sheen and subtle imperfections hint at its age and the specific photographic process employed. Note how the photographer captured and utilized the nuances of light to shape Bassett's form and highlight his facial features, right down to the texture of his uniform and the wood of the bat. Curator: Precisely. This also speaks to the democratizing aspect of photography at the time. Portraiture was no longer solely for the wealthy elite; baseball players, figures of popular appeal, were becoming accessible to the masses through these inexpensive prints. And let's not forget the social context – baseball as America's pastime, a source of national pride, intertwined with tobacco consumption. Editor: The figure looks like a carefully arranged statue in its stark stillness. Although it may serve the social goal to sell a product, what makes it an object of great contemplation is the image's compositional integrity. The way light and shadow dance across the surface of the photograph; how line and form conspire to draw my gaze across the composition – these qualities are undeniable. It captures a serene moment—one steeped in quiet concentration. It shows the figure's form with clear and precise execution that underscores athleticism and strength. Curator: An excellent point about that capture of movement. I am intrigued by what kind of labor went into this photograph; consider the darkroom workers, the printers… an entire industry was involved in creating these ephemeral objects of desire, distributed through everyday commerce. Editor: True! Well, seeing through these perspectives only enriched my understanding of both baseball and material realities as we conclude! Curator: I completely concur. This photograph, in turn, allows for various approaches and diverse readings.