Clarence Algernon "Cupid" Childs, 2nd Base, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This lithograph created by Goodwin & Company features Clarence Algernon "Cupid" Childs. It is a small card, part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. The sepia tone lends the card a nostalgic feel, while the composition balances portraiture with commercial appeal. Childs is centered, his stance dynamic, ready to swing. The bat held high creates a diagonal line, cutting across the verticality of his body. Notice how the backdrop is blurred, a deliberate choice to isolate Childs, drawing our eye to his figure. His uniform, though simple, is meticulously detailed, from the stripes on his cap to the belt cinching his waist. The text at the bottom serves not just as identification, but also as branding, typical of the time. The card's structure reflects the era's fascination with celebrity and consumerism. It uses Childs’ image to sell cigarettes, blurring the lines between sport, fame, and commerce. The sepia tone, the careful composition, and the clear text work together to create a lasting impression, a mini monument to both the athlete and the brand.