Robert E. Burks, Shortstop, Sioux City Corn Huskers, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

Curator: This captivating portrait captures Robert E. Burks, a shortstop for the Sioux City Corn Huskers, immortalized in 1889. It's from the "Old Judge" series, created by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. Editor: There’s a softness to it that reminds me of Impressionist portraiture. The sepia tones evoke a sense of nostalgia, and his figure, almost suspended in mid-motion, is delicately rendered. Curator: It's interesting to view this through a lens of burgeoning commercial culture. The image isn't merely a depiction of an athlete; it's an early form of sports advertising. These cards were included in cigarette packs to promote both the team and the brand. It highlights how intertwined sports and consumerism were becoming at this time. Editor: Notice the subject’s gaze—the intensity in his eyes as he anticipates catching the ball. It’s compelling, drawing the eye to the core of his action, yet softened with blurred focus overall, typical for photographic portraits from that period. Curator: Exactly. And think about the democratization of imagery. Previously, portraiture was largely reserved for the elite, but the mass production of these cards made images accessible to a wider audience. These cards fed into the popular fascination with baseball and its players, crafting a national narrative around the sport. Editor: Formally, the composition uses strong verticals with his upright figure contrasted against the blurred oval of the backdrop and ball in mid-air. It's a carefully balanced asymmetry. The subject almost blends in tonally with the backdrop and bottom card frame, highlighting the subject while embedding his action into his environment. Curator: The portrait provides us a glimpse into a specific moment in time, illustrating not only baseball’s rising popularity, but also how tobacco companies capitalized on the sports’ growing popularity. The visual style is deeply ingrained within larger historical forces. Editor: The blurred backdrop adds depth, creating atmosphere with the softness. The print gives a tactile impression and contributes to the image’s mood—one steeped in memories. I like the contrast of sharpness of figure against such vague contextual support, forcing me to attend to gesture. Curator: This image is more than a picture; it's a symbol of America's cultural development, echoing socio-economic transformations, particularly the rise of consumer society. Editor: Absolutely. It really encapsulates that blend of sporting spirit and visual harmony; a beautiful time capsule.