John Montgomery Ward, Captain and Shortstop, New York, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This 1887 baseball card of John Montgomery Ward, made by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes, presents a study in contrasts, framed within the sepia tones typical of its era. The composition uses diagonal lines to convey motion, as Ward is captured in the act of throwing a ball. The formal arrangement highlights the tension between stillness and action. We see this in the precise angle of Ward’s extended arm, balanced against the stable base formed by his legs. This juxtaposition creates a dynamic visual rhythm. The texture of the card itself, aged and tactile, adds another layer to our perception. The symmetry is broken by the asymmetrical placement of text and the visual weight of Ward's figure. The card's appeal lies in its ability to freeze a fleeting moment in time, transforming a simple image into a cultural artifact. It challenges our perceptions of action and representation, and offers a lasting commentary on the relationship between commerce, sport, and visual culture.