Sproat, Pitcher, St. Louis Whites, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

Curator: Looking at this photograph, it seems strangely both ghostly and poised. The tonal range is quite limited, rendering Ed Sproat, the St. Louis Whites pitcher, almost ethereal against the vaguely suggested background. Editor: Yes, its material existence is inextricably linked to its purpose as an advertising premium; specifically, baseball cards distributed in Old Judge Cigarettes, made by Goodwin & Company around 1888. Each card in the N172 series acted as a token, contributing to both commodity culture and baseball fandom in a burgeoning America. Curator: It is compelling to observe Sproat's stance, isn't it? There's an undeniable classicism here—the slightly contrapposto pose, the placement of the baseball bat across his shoulders, mimicking a classical staff. Editor: Exactly. It also brings into consideration questions surrounding labor and celebrity. The photograph collapses the player's identity with the Old Judge brand. Consider the exploitation inherent in producing this form of cheap commercial print at that time. Curator: I disagree with the label 'cheap print.' Look at the photographer’s effort to pose the subject and highlight his stance! Consider, the tones carefully create highlights around the edges, creating depth with an expressive quality through selective focus on the subject. Editor: Yet, we can't dismiss its broader impact. It created cultural accessibility to portraits in late nineteenth century America. The image became embedded within networks of consumption. Consider its broader impact on labor practices and advertisement strategies that still linger to this day! Curator: Yes, but that connection, and the focus of the portrait, really creates this fascinating tension. Editor: Agreed. The convergence of image and commerce undeniably shapes how we now receive the photograph's impact on us as viewers today.