Most Aesthetically Beautiful 19th Century Baseball Photograph
 

Paul's thread about "favorite 19th century photograph" got me onto a related topic. What is the most aesthetically beautiful 19th century photograph in your opinion. You don't have to own it. I'm curious to see if there would be any consensus here on this topic.

My answer is the same—I think this portrait of a masked catcher (see detail) is among the most intense psychological portraits ever made. As a portrait, it’s aesthetically beautiful.

Here is the whole portrait.

That is a haunting image, Paul.
I've always thought these two team photographs are the best.
I wish I could make the Lowell's cdv scan larger, but that ability is not in my repertoire. The detail is quite exceptional.

I just don’t see how those two photographs transcend the limitations of the team photograph.

I think this photograph ultimately fails, but it’s notable for the photographer’s attempt to transcend the typical composition of men in rows.

Ah, Paul. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While not particularly innovative, even for the time, I just like the look of the two team shots.

Not my photo but I think it’s pretty nice looking. Also provided a link to see a bigger image.
https://www.google.com/search?q=worc...TybC7nCfigV2UM

Off the top of my head, my vote would go for the 1888 NY Giants team cabinet with six HOFers that sold in Heritage back in 2016. I think Leon owns it, or a similar photo, so I will give him a chance to post it before I steal his thunder (I could also be wrong on the ownership).

It takes some time and thought to pinpoint the most beautiful baseball photo from such an early time in baseball's history. Many of the subject choices will be team shots and individual players on cabinets. I'd guess that most of your beautiful "scenic" shots or baseball diamond images would be found on lithographs, woodcuts, advertising material, etc.

Cool and interesting choices so far.

I agree. It's hard to beat the aesthetics of that 1888 Giants cabinet, especially when combining the setting, star power, historical importance of the club...

Back by popular demand.

http://luckeycards.com/phunc1888joshall.jpg

That's it, thanks, Leon. Credit to Joseph Hall for a great shot.

Not mine but I came across this when I was researching a colorized picture of one of the players pictured. Great photo.

Hey Jonathan, great choice!
I remember this was from catcher Robert Westlake's collection and sold in REA a number of years ago. They had a second lot with additional Westlake cabinet photos along with this spectacular medal...

https://www.robertedwardauctions.com...bert-westlake/

This may not be the most iconic image, but it is a pretty cool photo by Wires. And it's from my collection. It's a prototype for OJ # 171-5

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Great stuff everybody!

This is not the photographer who took the image for Goodwin and Co. In fact, the photograph seems off (could be the scan). Is it definitely an albumen photograph?

Here is the big brother of Leon's.

One of my favorites;

+1

JC--Here is the 1891:

That is crazy cool Jay! Thanks for sharing it. Ive never seen it before and from his rookie year.

Thanks! It's paper on a linen backing with metal strips on top and bottom with a hook so it could be hung in a store window.

Jay, My memory is not the best, but I think I posted this years before and you advised that it is no good. It is a scan I have on file. I don't remember where I got it. Maybe eBay. I'll see if I can find the card/photo. The scan does look fuzzy. Here's 2 better photos for the thread....

Ah, those two are beauties and are both Old Judge proofs.

Par for the course, but I feel like an idiot right now. I can't find the Julie Freeman, so I must have sent it back to the sellers. I need to delete the scan so I don't post it as one of my prize cards 5 years from now. Forgot I had this one while I was looking around. I really need to get organized or as my High School baseball coach used to say, "go to school."

That last one is a beauty. Gray did all the NL 1887 photographs for Goodwin & Co except for the Giants’ ones.

Can I squeeze my 1900 T. Smith Provincial League photo into this thread?

Great!

Great image. Do you have any guess on what Massachusetts team that might be? Worcester?

Here is one from my collection that I've always thought was just beautifully set and laid out.

www.dugouttreasures.com

Here is a close up of the most interesting area and subject in the image. Aside from the black and gold label Spalding bat held by the player standing, we have the catcher with his mitts, mask, and chest protector. Just an awesome reflection of a period backstop with all his gear.

Image comes from a studio out of Vermont.

www.dugouttreasures.com