W.J.M. Barry, Hammer Throw, from World's Champions, Second Series (N43) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph of W.J.M. Barry was produced by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes, most likely in the United States in the late 19th century. It's a trading card from the “World’s Champions” series, which featured athletes from various sports. The image offers a glimpse into the burgeoning commercialization of sports. Cigarette companies like Allen & Ginter sought to capitalize on the growing popularity of athletes. Barry, a hammer thrower, is presented here as a symbol of strength and national pride. Consider the iconography: the athlete’s physique, the laurel wreath, and the explicit mention of his record. All these visuals construct Barry as an ideal of masculine achievement. The commercial context is also important. These cards were not just about celebrating athletes; they were marketing tools, subtly linking athletic prowess with the consumption of cigarettes. By examining the ephemera of everyday life like this, we can gain insight into how social values were constructed and disseminated. Archival research into the history of sports, advertising, and consumer culture can further illuminate the context in which this image was created and consumed.