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

This chromolithograph of "Sir Dixon," from "The World's Racers" series, was created by Allen & Ginter for their Cigarettes. These cards were popular in the late 19th century and provide insight into the cultural values of the Gilded Age. The image captures a jockey atop a racing horse, embodying ideals of speed, competition, and luxury which were reserved for the upper classes. Notably, the series, like many depictions of sport at the time, likely excluded people of color, reinforcing the racial hierarchies that were prevalent in post-Reconstruction America. The romanticized vision of equestrian sports served as a distraction from the social tensions and inequalities present in the rapidly industrializing nation. The image of the white male jockey is central to the narrative of power and control. This card, like others in the series, functioned as both a collectible and an advertisement, revealing the intimate relationship between consumer culture and the construction of identity. The emotional appeal of speed and status invites viewers to aspire to a lifestyle of privilege, subtly reinforcing social norms.