Abner Frank Dalrymple, Left Field, Pittsburgh, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

Goodwin & Company produced this small, sepia-toned baseball card around 1887, as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. At first glance, the portrait's monochromatic palette and tight framing evoke a sense of historical distance. The composition centers on Abner Dalrymple, rendered with sharp focus against a blurred background. The photographer’s strategic use of light and shadow models Dalrymple's figure, emphasizing the texture of his uniform and the contours of his face. There’s a stillness here, yet the gesture of his raised arm and ball suggests imminent action. This dynamic tension freezes a moment, transforming a simple advertisement into a study of form and potential energy. The card functions as a sign, simultaneously advertising cigarettes and celebrating athletic prowess. Yet, the photograph's aesthetic qualities transcend its commercial purpose. This interplay between commerce and art complicates our understanding of value, blurring the lines between commodity and cultural artifact.