Burch, Left Field, Brooklyn, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1890

Goodwin & Company made this photographic print, "Burch, Left Field, Brooklyn," part of the Old Judge series, to promote Old Judge Cigarettes. The sepia tone flattens the image, emphasizing the figure's form rather than depth, and its composition directs our focus upwards, tracing the player's stance from his feet to the anticipated trajectory of the ball. This piece functions as more than a mere advertisement; it captures a moment of anticipation. The player's upward gaze and extended arms create diagonal lines that intersect, generating a dynamic tension. This tension is not just visual but also temporal. The image freezes a fraction of a second, inviting viewers to imagine the ball's flight and the player's subsequent action. The Old Judge series employed photography to elevate baseball players to almost mythical status, associating them with qualities of skill and athleticism. The sepia tone lends a sense of timelessness, suggesting that this moment—and by extension, the player's legacy—transcends the immediate context of the game. Thus, it is about capturing a cultural moment, where sport and commerce meet.