Gumbert, Pitcher, Chicago, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This vintage baseball card, "Gumbert, Pitcher, Chicago," from the Old Judge series, was created around 1850 by Goodwin & Company as an advertisement. The sepia tone gives the card a nostalgic feel, emphasizing the age and history it represents. The photograph is structured to draw the eye to Gumbert, who is centered and framed by a minimalistic landscape. The texture, which is rough to the touch, contrasts with the smooth, idealized images often seen in advertising today. This tactile quality, combined with the visual composition, evokes a sense of authenticity. The card functions as a semiotic sign. The image of Gumbert, combined with the "Old Judge" branding, represents not just baseball or tobacco, but also a moment in time when advertising strategies were markedly different. In this regard, the card can be seen as a cultural artifact. It prompts ongoing interpretation as consumerism evolves.