William G. "Bill" Gleason, Shortstop, Louisville Colonels, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

Goodwin & Company produced this photographic print of William G. "Bill" Gleason for the Old Judge Cigarettes series in 1888. Gleason's posture, with hands clasped tightly before him, speaks volumes. This gesture, reminiscent of supplicants in ancient votive images, embodies a plea for success and protection. Across centuries, we see hands clasped in prayer or anticipation. Think of Roman orators, their hands poised to emphasize the weight of their words. The pose is almost ritualistic, echoing across time in various guises, from religious devotion to secular expectation. The emotional power here lies in the universal desire for a favorable outcome, engaging us at a deep, subconscious level. This non-linear progression reveals the endurance and adaptability of symbols, constantly reshaped by the currents of human experience.