Herman C. Long, Catcher, Kansas City Cowboys, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This monochromatic card, part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series, presents Herman C. Long, catcher for the Kansas City Cowboys. The composition centres Long's figure against a blurred backdrop, creating a subtle depth. The sepia tones enhance the sense of nostalgia, with the subject evenly lit, revealing the textures of the uniform and the baseball bat. The geometric form of the baseball bat contrasts with the organic curves of his stance, creating a visual rhythm. Printed ephemera like this can be seen through the lens of semiotics, where even minor details—the player's equipment, the cigarette brand's lettering—function as signs. These signs construct an image of turn-of-the-century Americana, linking sport, commerce, and cultural identity. The slightly faded quality adds another layer, subtly destabilizing the present moment with traces of the past. Note how the brand name "Old Judge" is prominently displayed, connecting the player's image to the broader consumer culture and suggesting how meaning is constructed through these visual and commercial interplays.