Buck Ewing, Catcher, New York, from the series Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

Editor: Here we have an albumen print from 1887 by Goodwin & Company, titled "Buck Ewing, Catcher, New York, from the series Old Judge Cigarettes." It's striking how staged and formal it feels, especially considering it's a baseball player. What do you see in this piece? Curator: What jumps out at me is the carefully constructed image of masculinity being presented. Note the strong, stoic pose. This photograph, tied to cigarette advertising, taps into deeply rooted cultural ideas of athleticism, health, and virility. Look how he firmly grips the bat, an obvious symbol of power, yet it is at rest. Editor: So it’s not just about baseball, but about these wider ideas? Curator: Exactly. The baseball player becomes an emblem, representing ideal traits projected onto the American male at that time. Also, the sepia tone gives it this nostalgic aura, making it feel both current and from another time. Consider how photographs from that time have transformed into visual memories, shaping and reshaping perceptions of the past. Are we seeing reality, or a constructed ideal? Editor: That makes me think about how athletes are still used in advertising today. The symbols might be different, but the core idea remains. Curator: Precisely! And the very format of this—as a collectible card inserted into cigarette packs—suggests its role in shaping popular culture and elevating these figures to almost mythical status. The baseball player becomes more than just an athlete. He’s a hero, an icon. Editor: It’s fascinating how a simple baseball card can reveal so much about cultural values and their lasting power. Thanks for your insights! Curator: My pleasure! It's always revealing to peel back the layers and see what symbols persist.