Larkin, Captain, Philadelphia Athletics, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This is a vintage baseball card of Captain Larkin of the Philadelphia Athletics, created by Goodwin & Company as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. The sepia-toned image presents Larkin in a posed moment, arm raised, ball in hand, against a blurred landscape backdrop. The card’s composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing Larkin’s full figure. The limited tonal range focuses our attention on the texture of his uniform and the subtle gradations of light across his form. The "Athletic" lettering across his chest and the cap's design introduce a graphic element that contrasts with the soft background. The text at the bottom anchors the image, framing Larkin within the commercial context of the Old Judge brand. The photograph captures not just an individual but also embodies the cultural values associated with early baseball and celebrity endorsements. It represents a semiotic convergence where sport, commerce, and image-making intersect, offering a glimpse into the historical construction of athletic identity. The flatness of the image, contained within the defined border of the card, underscores its status as a commodity, a collectible object circulating within a network of social and economic exchange.