Alex McKinnon, 1st Base, Pittsburgh, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

Editor: So, here we have an albumen print from 1887, part of the "Old Judge" series by Goodwin & Company, featuring Alex McKinnon, a 1st baseman for Pittsburgh. The sepia tone gives it such an antique feel. I am curious: what strikes you about the composition of this portrait? Curator: Primarily, I am struck by the balance. The figure's stance, with one hand on his hip and the bat grounding the other side, creates a stable triangular form. The texture of the photographic paper is interesting too, introducing a subtle grain which affects the perceived light. Editor: So you are suggesting it's less about McKinnon as an individual, and more about the relationship between the lines and tones in the picture? Curator: Precisely. Consider the subject's gaze, directed off frame; this activates a pictorial space beyond the borders, while simultaneously trapping the viewer's gaze, so it activates space yet contains. Also, notice how the sharp lettering competes with McKinnon's depiction. One must examine all relationships within to come to a valid and holistic reading. Editor: It's fascinating how you distill it down to these purely visual components. What do you mean, activates the viewer’s gaze? Curator: It beckons the spectator's imagination beyond the known, urging speculation of elements outside of the literal photograph. Do the textural inconsistencies further activate these notions of 'knowns and unknowns?' Editor: That's such a different way of thinking about a baseball card. Curator: I encourage that approach, seeing beyond the iconography towards the fundamentals. Has this helped open your reading to a new visual potential within art objects such as this one? Editor: Yes, absolutely! I’ll definitely be looking closer at those underlying structures now, and considering the role of all components when deciphering other artwork. Curator: Likewise, I appreciate your perspective which offers fresh opportunities to review my existing beliefs and thoughts, helping inform and guide towards a new intellectual potential.