Sidney Douglas Farrar, 1st Base, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This photographic print of Sidney Douglas Farrar, a baseball player for Philadelphia, was produced around 1887 as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. Farrar's casual pose, hand resting on his hip, is striking; it echoes the contrapposto of classical sculpture, a stance that signifies both relaxation and potential action. This gesture, employed since antiquity, implies a poised readiness, subtly linking the athlete to heroic figures of the past. Consider the seemingly simple act of placing a hand on the hip. We find variations of this in countless portraits across centuries. It appears in royal portraits signifying sovereignty, and in images of athletes suggesting controlled power. The gesture transcends its immediate context, tapping into a collective memory of poise and authority. This card captures not just an athlete, but a symbol of American vigor, subtly infused with echoes of classical ideals. The image's strength lies in its ability to connect us to deeper, timeless narratives of human potential. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.