Thomas J. Flood, Pitcher, St. Joseph Clay Eaters, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This is a photographic print of Thomas J. Flood, a pitcher for the St. Joseph Clay Eaters, produced by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. The composition centers on Flood's figure, his dark uniform contrasting with the light backdrop. The artist uses a full-body shot to emphasize his form, poised with ball in hand. The studio lighting and backdrop, while typical of commercial portraiture, flatten the depth, drawing attention to the surface and texture of the print itself. Consider how the photograph functions semiotically. It's not just a portrait of Flood, but a carefully constructed image designed to sell cigarettes. The Old Judge brand name looms large below the image, linking Flood's athletic prowess with the product. The very act of distributing these images as collectibles implicates consumers in a network of desire, linking celebrity, sport, and consumption. The rigid pose and formal presentation reveal an attempt to encode Flood with particular meanings, values, and cultural ideals of athleticism. Yet, the print's modest dimensions and ephemeral nature—intended for distribution with cigarettes—destabilize any pretense of permanence. This tension between aspiration and reality underscores the complex interplay between commerce and representation at the turn of the century.