Jimmy Carney, Pugilist, from World's Champions, Series 1 (N28) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1887

This chromolithograph trading card, part of the "World's Champions" series, depicts boxer Jimmy Carney, a popular athlete of the 1880s. Created by the tobacco company Allen & Ginter as a promotional giveaway, the card showcases Carney in a fighting stance, his championship belt prominently displayed. The card's simple yet bold design, along with the detailed rendering of Carney's physique, highlights the popularity of boxing during the late 19th century. The image, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, serves as a glimpse into the world of 19th-century sports culture and the marketing strategies of the era.