George La Blanche, Pugilist, from World's Champions, Series 2 (N29) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

"George La Blanche, Pugilist," is a chromolithograph card from the "World's Champions" series published in 1888 by Allen & Ginter. This card, now held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases a portrait of the famous pugilist, George La Blanche, in a classic pose. La Blanche is depicted shirtless, his muscular physique emphasized by his crossed arms, highlighting his athletic prowess. The card's simple design, featuring a single figure against a plain background, epitomizes the style of collectible cards from this era. This piece offers a glimpse into 19th-century sporting culture and the rising popularity of boxing.