William F. "Billy" Klusman, 2nd Base, Denver, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

Curator: This photograph, titled "William F. 'Billy' Klusman, 2nd Base, Denver," is part of the Old Judge series from 1889, a photographic print created by Goodwin & Company. Editor: Gosh, he looks so serious! I mean, look at that posture, like he's facing down the world, not just the next batter. Is it just me, or is there a stoic cowboy vibe here? The old west meets baseball… Curator: Precisely. Consider the materiality: albumen print mounted on card. The tonal range, while limited to sepia, generates a unique sense of depth, with Klusman emerging from an ambiguous background that serves to accentuate his presence and, more importantly, his performative role. Editor: Okay, formal analysis aside, look at his hands! Two baseballs! What was he planning to DO with those? Is this a clever artistic commentary on the sheer amount of pressure a player feels? And his expression; a picture of calm amidst the potential storm, or a cigarette ad guy doing his job? Curator: Your reading, while intriguing, presupposes an element of self-awareness that might be anachronistic. My perspective would suggest we should not undermine how its form contributes meaning through the player's costume. Observe the contrast of the dark uniform against his gloves and cap. Notice the stark contrast intended to draw the viewers' eyes. Editor: Good point; also the choice of a photographic medium feels almost... democratic. It brought baseball heroes into everyday life. Curator: Yes! Furthermore, there’s a semantic interplay happening here: the 'Old Judge' branding anchors the image within a specific socio-economic context – associating athleticism with consumer culture. Editor: So, Klusman becomes more than just a player; he's a cultural artifact. Kinda neat! You've helped me to realize that the ad, just like other works, isn't merely decorative, but packed full of subtle symbolism. Curator: And through semiotic analysis we recognize that cultural artifacts themselves embody codes that both define and determine aspects of our perception and behavior. A fascinating piece to examine!