Peter Burke "Pete" Wood, Pitcher, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1890

This baseball card of Peter Burke Wood, a pitcher for Philadelphia, was produced by Goodwin & Company as part of the "Old Judge" series. Notice how the sepia tone flattens the image, reducing the contrast and emphasizing the textures of the photographic paper. The composition centers Wood in his baseball uniform, bat in hand, against a blurred backdrop. The card functions semiotically, using Wood's image as a signifier of athleticism and success. The "Old Judge" branding links these qualities to the consumption of cigarettes. The composition's symmetry and the subject's static pose convey a sense of idealized stability. However, the slightly faded quality and the soft focus, remind us of the fleeting nature of both athletic fame and the ephemeral nature of advertising. The card serves as a cultural artifact, reflecting the values and marketing strategies of its time. Its muted tones and carefully arranged elements speak to the constructed nature of celebrity and the commodification of baseball.