Kelly, Umpire Western Association, James Edwin "Jim" Powell, Manager and 1st Base, Sioux City Corn Huskers, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888 - 1889

This baseball card of Kelly, Umpire, and Powell, Manager, was created by Goodwin & Company as part of the Old Judge series. Its sepia tones and compact dimensions create a striking visual frame. The composition, divided vertically, positions Kelly and Powell against a textured backdrop, emphasizing their roles through careful arrangement. The formal structure of the card draws attention to the players' gear and posture, subtly highlighting elements of early baseball. The umpire’s stance and the batter’s grip on the bat create a visual tension that suggests a narrative frozen in time. Consider how the card's small size and monochromatic palette influence our perception, transforming a dynamic sport into a collectible artifact. It functions as a signifier of baseball's burgeoning popularity, while also operating as a commercial object, illustrating how art intersects with marketing. This layered context enriches our engagement with the image.