Los Angeles, from The World's Racers series (N32) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

"Los Angeles", from The World's Racers series, was created by Allen & Ginter as a small lithograph for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. The lithograph depicts a jockey atop a racehorse, rendered in warm, earthy tones against a backdrop of muted blues and browns. Note how the composition is divided into distinct horizontal layers: the sky, the field, and the ground, each contributing to a sense of depth despite the print’s diminutive scale. Here, form supersedes realism. The horse's elongated limbs and stylized posture speak less to anatomical accuracy and more to an ideal of speed and grace. Semiotically, the image operates on multiple levels. The text alludes to geographical locales and brand names. The imagery promotes a lifestyle associated with leisure, sport, and wealth. Ultimately, this lithograph is not just an advertisement but also a cultural artifact. It encapsulates the aspirations and values of its time. The formal elements work together to create an image that is both aesthetically pleasing and culturally revealing.