Walter Gratz, from the Racing Colors of the World series (N22a) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This small card, showing Walter Gratz in his racing colors, was made by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. It's a lithograph, a type of print that allowed images to be reproduced quickly and cheaply. The card stock itself speaks volumes. Intended as a collectible inserted into cigarette packs, it's a direct artifact of mass production and consumer culture. The image, though seemingly simple, is itself a product of skilled labor. The lithographic process involved transferring an image onto a stone or metal plate, treating it to retain ink, and then using a printing press to create multiple copies. Notice how the colors are flat and bold, perfect for catching the eye. The process enabled the company to create a series of cards, encouraging repeat purchases by smokers hoping to complete their collection. It reflects the rise of advertising and the commodification of leisure activities like horse racing. This unassuming card isn't just a picture; it's a tiny window into a world shaped by industrialization, consumerism, and the changing landscape of work and play.