James M. "Jim" Burns, Center Field, Kansas City Cowboys, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888 - 1889

Editor: Here we have a print titled "James M. 'Jim' Burns, Center Field, Kansas City Cowboys" created sometime between 1888 and 1889 by Goodwin & Company. It's an albumen print, which gives it a warm, sepia tone. It strikes me as such an elegant pose, despite its everyday subject. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Observe how the photographic print’s surface interacts with light, yielding varied tonal values across the composition. Consider the formal arrangement of the subject within the frame: the deliberate placement of his figure creates a balanced yet dynamic composition, where geometric shapes and symmetry give it order. Notice how the artist uses light and shadow to delineate the form. Editor: I see what you mean about the light. It is such a simple photo, yet the details in the uniform are amazing. Is there a deeper significance to the symmetry that you pointed out? Curator: Note how the lines and angles converge to guide the eye, constructing a visual narrative. The textures, rendered meticulously by the photographic process, enhance the aesthetic experience, offering tactile impressions. What does that accomplish? Editor: I suppose the symmetry, texture and lighting, give a sense of dignity to the portrait. Even though it is a photograph on what appears to be a trading card, it suggests a high degree of respect. Curator: Exactly. It emphasizes the aesthetic qualities of the image itself and how the artist used formal elements to convey meaning. These attributes exist regardless of the subject matter portrayed. This is an interesting object, where art, commerce and sport are interwoven. Editor: It really does invite you to contemplate the beauty of the image itself. Thank you, I’ve definitely gained a deeper appreciation.