Most Aesthetically Beautiful 19th Century Baseball Photograph

[GaryPassamonte]

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.

[sphere and ash]

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.

[sphere and ash]

Originally Posted by sphere and ash

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.

[GaryPassamonte]

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.

[sphere and ash]

Originally Posted by GaryPassamonte

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.

[sphere and ash]

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