Prince D. Saltykoff, from the Racing Colors of the World series (N22b) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This color lithograph of Prince D. Saltykoff comes from a series called "Racing Colors of the World," produced for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. The late 19th century saw the rise of mass-produced collectible cards included in cigarette packs, reflecting a growing consumer culture. Cards like these were a clever marketing ploy, associating the glamour of international horse racing with the simple pleasure of smoking. The "Racing Colors" series presented a world of aristocratic sport, subtly reinforcing class distinctions. Note the idealized depiction of the Prince; such images helped to construct a romantic vision of European nobility for American consumers. By studying such items, historians can examine the social values and cultural aspirations of a particular time. Through archives, advertisements, and other printed ephemera, we can begin to understand the complex interplay of commerce, class, and cultural representation in the late 19th century.