Sir George Chetwynd, from the Racing Colors of the World series (N22b) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This small card featuring Sir George Chetwynd comes from a series made for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. It shows a chromolithographic print, a method of color printing that uses multiple lithographic stones, each applying a different color to create a complete image. The material itself – a simple card inserted into a pack of cigarettes – speaks volumes. It represents the industrialization of both image-making and leisure. Chromolithography allowed for mass production, bringing images like this to a broad audience. The card's smooth surface and the precision of the print give it a clean, appealing look, meant to catch the eye of consumers. Yet, this wasn't fine art, it was advertising, a clever convergence of commerce and culture. The "Racing Colors of the World" series, of which this card is a part, offered a glimpse into the world of horse racing. By collecting these cards, consumers were engaging with a broader culture of sport, fashion, and social status. It’s a reminder that even seemingly small, mass-produced objects can tell us a great deal about the society that created them.