Count Elemer de Batthyany, from the Racing Colors of the World series (N22a) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This small chromolithograph of Count Elemer de Batthyany was printed by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes in the late 19th century. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs as a promotional item, and they reflect the Gilded Age's fascination with celebrity and leisure. The 'Racing Colors of the World' series catered to the era's enthusiasm for horse racing. These images served as visual shorthand for class status, depicting the colors associated with prominent racing figures. Here, we see the Count in his distinctive yellow and white attire. The choice of portraying the Count hints at the cultural exchanges happening at the time and reflects an American audience's interest in European aristocracy and its sporting culture. The image is both a commercial product and a window into the social values of the time. By researching the history of advertising, popular culture, and the biographies of figures like Count Elemer, we can better understand the complex meanings embedded in this small card.