Collins, Left Field, Brooklyn Bridegrooms, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This 1888 baseball card, from Goodwin & Company’s "Old Judge" series, presents a portrait of Collins, the left fielder for the Brooklyn Bridegrooms. Notice how the composition divides the card into distinct zones: the textured mound under Collins’ feet, the neutral space around him, and the crisp typography at the bottom. The sepia tones, almost monochromatic, flatten the depth of field, pushing Collins forward. His figure, framed by the converging lines of the field, creates a dynamic tension, as though he is caught mid-action. The elevated perspective and the symmetry of his pose add to a sense of stability. The card is not just a depiction of an athlete, but a cultural artifact embedded with signs. Each element – from the player's attire to the typeface of the advertisement – carries coded information about class, consumerism and the burgeoning culture of baseball in late 19th century America. Consider how this interplay of text and image blurs the line between sport, commerce, and representation. The structure of the card creates its own meaning and significance.