Hornung, Left Field, New York, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This sepia-toned baseball card, made by Goodwin & Company in 1888, presents a snapshot of Hornung, a left fielder for New York. The card's composition is striking in its simplicity: the player is centered, poised in a throwing motion, against a neutral backdrop. The limited color palette emphasizes form and structure. Observe how the texture of the card itself, aged and slightly worn, adds a layer of depth. The typography below the image anchors the figure, creating a visual hierarchy that draws the eye from the action of the player to the commercial purpose of the card. This juxtaposition—a moment of athletic prowess framed by the branding of "Old Judge" cigarettes—reveals a cultural intersection, where sport becomes a vehicle for advertising. This card then, functions not merely as a collectible, but as a signifier of its time, reflecting the evolving relationship between commerce, leisure, and identity.