Bill Farmer, Catcher, Pittsburgh, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1890

Editor: We're looking at "Bill Farmer, Catcher, Pittsburgh," a print from the Old Judge series, dating between 1887 and 1890. It feels like a snapshot frozen in time; the athlete’s posture is so poised, almost sculptural. What do you see in the work? Curator: Primarily, I'm drawn to the photograph's planar arrangement. The figure is centrally positioned, nearly symmetrical, creating a visual balance. The limited tonal range – the sepia hues – collapses depth and flattens the space. Observe how the artist emphasizes line and form rather than texture or atmosphere. Editor: So you’re seeing this more in terms of its lines and composition rather than, say, a moment captured? Curator: Precisely. It's interesting to consider the structural components. The figure's stance, a kind of inverted triangle, mirrors the shape of the print itself. It creates a closed, self-contained system within the work. Do you see any tension within the composition? Editor: I notice how the subject's gaze is slightly off-center, almost a challenge to the viewer, breaking the symmetry somewhat. Curator: A perceptive observation. This slight asymmetry adds dynamism, preventing the piece from becoming static. The tension between symmetry and asymmetry creates visual interest. Considering its form and structure allows one to experience this print anew. Editor: That makes me appreciate the nuances of this piece and photographic portraiture of this time even more. Thanks for your insight.