Portraits vs. baseball poses

[paleocards]

I don't know why the hobby (generally) values the T206 portraits more than the baseball poses; the latters' athleticism, varied backgrounds and pastel colors are so much more attractive and interesting to me. I understand that many of the classic T206 portraits are based on Carl Horner original studio photographs and that can, in part, account for the differences in value. But how can you beat the aesthetics of these four? Personally, I wouldn't trade them straight-up for equivalently-graded portraits of Lajoie, Cobb, Crawford (even if he had a portrait!) and Waddell (...and I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder!)

I'd be interested to hear others' thoughts and differing perspectives.

[DerekMichael]

You are spot on. The more time has passed, the more deep appreciation I have for the beauty of the action shots. The sunsets for example, the use of color, it is just so amazing.

[CobbSpikedMe]

I have to agree that I like the action shots a lot more. But over the years, the portraits have really caught up. For example, if I could choose one of Cobb's four, I would take his red portrait over the other three any day of the week.

I also think the portraits are really nice for display purposes of Hall of Famers. The action shots of commons are way better. Bob Ewing and Pattee are two of my favorites.

Sorry for the big scan of my Ewing!

Best,

AndyH

[Peter_Spaeth]

Depends on the player. Lajoie bat and Mathewson dark cap are much better than the portraits (Mathewson doesn't even look like him). On the other hand, Johnson portrait blows away the pitching (which also doesn't look like him), and I like the Young portrait far more than the other poses. Cobb I have a marginal preference for the portraits over the bat off. And so on.

[jimhopkins82]

Lajoie with Bat is my favorite T206 but I tend to like the portraits better.

[teetwoohsix]

Nice cards !!!!

I kind of like the portraits a little better, but I love them all. Even the ones that don't fit in either catagory

[3-2-count]

IMO when a portrait displays perfect registration and clarity there really is no comparison to which is prettier.

[CMIZ5290]

Originally Posted by peter_spaeth

depends on the player. Lajoie bat and mathewson dark cap are much better than the portraits (mathewson doesn't even look like him). On the other hand, johnson portrait blows away the pitching (which also doesn't look like him), and i like the young portrait far more than the other poses. Cobb i have a marginal preference for the portraits over the bat off. And so on.

i agree with peter on the matty dark cap. That card almost looks like a real photo of him.....

[GregMitch34]

I just think there's more "bench depth" for the portraits--thinking of Lobert, and Wiltse, and Durham, and Kling and on and on and on....

[Bicem]

best of both worlds...

[terjung]

Sick PC, Jeff.

[Rob D.]

Best of three worlds, if you're into variations:

[christopher.herman]

My favorite pose. Powers looks like a general ready to lead the troops into battle.