Tucker, 1st Base, Boston, from Mayo's Cut Plug Baseball series (N300) 1895

This baseball card of Tucker, 1st Base, Boston, from Mayo's Cut Plug Baseball series was made in Richmond, Virginia, by P.H. Mayo & Brother. The sepia tones, framed within a stark black border, give this portrait a nostalgic aura. Tucker's face, rendered with a soft focus, centers our attention. The composition, with its formal arrangement of text and image, suggests a system of signs to be decoded. 'BOSTON' emblazoned across his chest, signals not only team allegiance but a broader cultural identity. This card, designed for chewing tobacco packaging, transcends mere advertisement; it becomes a semiotic object, reflecting the intersection of sport, commerce, and cultural values. The rigid geometry of the card's edges contrasts with the organic curves of Tucker's face and the typography, creating a dynamic tension. What could be seen at first glance as a simple portrait is, upon closer inspection, a complex interplay of form and function, embedding layers of meaning.