James F. "Jimmy" Macullar, Shortstop, Des Moines Prohibitionists, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This card from the Old Judge Cigarettes series, made in 1888 by Goodwin & Company, presents a photographic image of James F. "Jimmy" Macullar. A monochromatic palette shapes the visual experience, focusing our attention on the figure's structured pose against a blurred backdrop. Macullar, a shortstop for the Des Moines Prohibitionists, stands with a studied casualness. The composition is bisected by his figure, creating two distinct yet harmonious spaces. Note the interplay of textures: the rough fabric of his uniform contrasts with the smoothness of the bat. The formal arrangement here speaks to a moment of transition in visual culture, where photography began influencing representation and notions of celebrity. The studio setting and staged pose contrast with the dynamic nature of baseball, highlighting a constructed reality. The text and branding elements are strategically placed to form a cohesive visual statement that uses Macullar's likeness to promote the cigarette brand. Consider how this interplay between form and commerce invites us to question the values and messages embedded in everyday images. The image’s formal qualities function as a cultural artifact.