Chariot Race, from the Games and Sports series (N165) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This chromolithograph was produced by Goodwin & Company as one of a series of collectible cards included in packs of Old Judge Cigarettes. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, offer a glimpse into the cultural fascinations of the era. Here, Goodwin & Company juxtaposes the ancient sport of chariot racing with a portrait of a modern, elegant woman. Note how the image invokes both the spectacle of athleticism and the aesthetic of idealized beauty, reflecting Victorian society's complex relationship to class, gender, and spectacle. The sport is a male dominated pursuit and the woman is presented as a prize. The use of classical imagery on a small card hints at both the timeless appeal of sport and beauty, while also commodifying these images for a mass market. The card’s sentiment reflects a societal gaze that simultaneously celebrates and objectifies. How might its reception differ if we shift the focus, centering the narratives and experiences of those often relegated to the sidelines?