Shomberg, 1st Base, Indianapolis, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

Printed in 1887 by Goodwin & Company, this lithograph promotes Old Judge Cigarettes and features Shomberg, a baseball player for Indianapolis. The composition is remarkably structured, presenting a study in contrasts. We see a clear separation between the foreground and background through tonal differences, which flattens the image while emphasizing the subject. Shomberg is framed against a neutral backdrop, drawing our eye to the interplay of light and shadow that defines his figure. This card operates within a complex system of signs. Shomberg’s pose, uniform, and the baseball itself are cultural signifiers of athleticism, American identity, and commercial appeal. Yet, the subdued palette and the photograph's flatness subtly undermine the heroic ideal often associated with sports figures. This lithograph transcends its immediate function as advertising; it encapsulates a moment in cultural history, inviting endless interpretations about commerce, identity, and representation.