James Albert, Pedestrian-Go As You Please, from World's Champions, Series 2 (N29) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph of James Albert was made by Allen & Ginter for their series of cigarette cards titled "World's Champions." Produced in the United States during the late 19th century, it reflects a growing culture of celebrity and consumerism. Here, the focus is on the rising popularity of professional sports. Chromolithography enabled mass production of colorful images, making them accessible to a wide audience through everyday products like cigarettes. The "World's Champions" series, by associating athletes with a particular brand, not only promoted athleticism but also promoted the consumption of Allen & Ginter cigarettes. To understand this image, we would look at the history of advertising and the rise of mass media in the late 19th century, using sources such as newspapers, journals, and business records to understand the function of images in the world of consumer capitalism.