Al Maul, Pitcher, Pittsburgh, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

Editor: This is a fascinating piece – "Al Maul, Pitcher, Pittsburgh," from the Old Judge series, a photograph printed in 1888. It's so stark, almost ghostly in its monochrome tones. What do you see when you look at this piece formally? Curator: Formally, the composition is striking. Notice how the figure of Maul is centered, yet his averted gaze creates a subtle tension. The background is deliberately blurred, pushing him forward. Light and shadow sculpt his form, accentuating the planes of his face and the folds of his uniform, yet is mostly desaturated and monotone. Editor: Yes, that soft focus does draw you in. It feels very deliberate. But why choose that? Curator: Pictorialism was prominent then. Photographers manipulated the medium to mimic painting. Observe the limited tonal range, lending it an ethereal quality. The textures, though rendered photographically, evoke a sense of almost tactile presence. The choice to focus instead on the structure allows for the photograph to highlight this particular athlete's beauty without all the noise that external elements could provide. Do you agree? Editor: Absolutely. It shifts the focus away from simple representation toward something…more aesthetically driven. It highlights structure as something essential and beautiful. So, we look closely at tonal and lighting structure to define the human essence? That is insightful! Thank you! Curator: Indeed. The reduction to core elements elevates the image beyond a mere record, creating an artwork. Focusing on internal structures is so important for how we receive art.