Mack, 2nd Base, Baltimore Orioles, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This small photographic print of Mack, a second baseman for the Baltimore Orioles, was created by Goodwin & Company as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. The sepia tone lends a nostalgic air, drawing us into the late 19th century. Mack's pose, bent low and gazing intently, creates a dynamic diagonal line that dominates the composition. The ground mimics this angle, while the text below forms a stable base, grounding the image. This tension between movement and stasis encapsulates the anticipation inherent in baseball. The soft focus and limited tonal range flatten the space, emphasizing the surface of the card. Yet, the carefully chosen perspective and pose imbue the image with depth and a sense of immediacy. This interplay between flatness and depth mirrors the tension between the commercial function of the card and its artistic value as a cultural artifact. The card then becomes not just a collectible but also a signifier of its era.