James G. Fogarty, Right Field, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This is a baseball card of James G. Fogarty, Right Field for Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series made around 1887 by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. The sepia tone flattens the image, lending it a timeless, almost sculptural quality. The composition is vertically oriented, focusing our attention on Fogarty who is framed against a blurred background. The simple design, with the player gazing upwards toward a floating baseball, plays with notions of anticipation and potential. The text is integrated into the lower portion, functioning as both label and advertisement, disrupting traditional hierarchies of art and commerce. In semiotic terms, the card operates on multiple levels. The image of Fogarty signifies athletic prowess and American ideals, while the cigarette brand promises sophistication and leisure. This juxtaposition creates a dialogue about value systems. As an artifact, this card represents an early form of commodity culture, where identity and aspiration are packaged and sold. It challenges us to consider how images mediate our understanding of self and society.