John A. McCarty, Pitcher, Kansas City Cowboys, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

Curator: This albumen print, created in 1888 by Goodwin & Company, depicts John A. McCarty, a pitcher for the Kansas City Cowboys. It comes from the "Old Judge" series of baseball cards. Editor: There's an immediate sense of staged theatricality that the albumen gives this image. Look at how McCarty’s pose is carefully constructed, against what appears to be a painted backdrop. It feels less like a spontaneous shot and more like an idealized tableau. Curator: The baseball card format, a rectangle within a rectangle, certainly contributes to that sense of a contained and composed moment. Consider the symmetry: McCarty's arms arc above his head mirroring the curve of the baseball in his hands, against the backdrop of lush foliage, offering both formal and thematic cohesion. Editor: Symbolically, McCarty’s elevated arms and ball can be interpreted as representing potential and action. He’s ready to release, about to unleash force. Even more interesting to me, the Old Judge cigarette ads on these baseball cards helped build baseball's brand image, linking athleticism with virility and sophistication. Curator: I agree, this combination of advertisement and athleticism merges two distinct systems: commerce and sport, highlighting baseball's rising prominence in the 19th century. The limited sepia tones highlight texture but limit tonal contrasts, reducing distractions to concentrate on forms of the subject matter. Editor: The sepia tone is perfect to underscore a sepia-toned idealization. We are witnessing the dawn of American hero-making and commodification. It reveals the roots of modern sports advertising, blending nostalgic heroism with a simple tobacco product to enjoy during or after games. Curator: Looking beyond what he represents and more at what’s simply on display for us, this vintage sepia creates a balance and draws our eye to key aspects within its bordered dimensions. The use of symmetry—of McCarty’s poised hands creating symmetry with the round ball—creates that dynamic rhythm I admire. Editor: This portrait’s appeal goes beyond capturing a mere likeness, it presents the beginnings of something quite intriguing and powerful: celebrity endorsements. As far as artifacts, there's a time-capsule charm embedded in this particular image due to both its context and enduring status. Curator: I'd concur on that, seeing an example of art as both an image of skill and a commercial transaction adds fascinating texture that exists in a unique place.