Putting the Shot, from the Games and Sports series (N165) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This chromolithograph, made around 1888 by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes, captures a moment in sport, yet its deeper currents stir the collective memory. Observe the pose of the athlete, frozen mid-throw, an echo of classical sculptures depicting discobolus. This stance, embodying strength and poise, harkens back to ancient ideals of human potential. The image blends athleticism with a hint of theatricality, reminiscent of figures on Grecian urns. The presence of a woman adds another layer. Her gaze, directed forward, engages the viewer directly, a common technique in portraiture across centuries. This motif establishes a connection, inviting the viewer to participate in the scene's narrative. The tension between her composed demeanor and the athlete's action creates a dynamic that resonates on a primal level. Consider how such symbols persist, resurfacing in new guises, each time colored by the concerns and aspirations of a new age. This small card is a window into how cultural memory continually reinvents itself.