Joseph H. "Joe" Mulvey, 3rd Base, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This photograph, produced by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes, depicts baseball player Joe Mulvey. The diamond itself is a powerful symbol, evoking the sacred geometry found in mandalas and cosmological diagrams. Mulvey's stance, bent and ready, reminds us of the 'contrapposto' seen in classical sculptures, a pose that suggests potential energy and coiled readiness. Such postures echo in depictions of athletes throughout time. The baseball itself, a small sphere suspended in mid-air, carries its own weight. Think of the symbolic power of the orb - representing wholeness, the cosmos, and the cycle of life. The emotional tension of the game, the anticipation of the next pitch, engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Observe how the echoes of classical forms resurface in this modern setting, blending the ancient ideals of athletic prowess with the burgeoning culture of American sport, a striking example of how symbols evolve and take on new meanings.