Maurice Vignaux, Billiard Player, from World's Champions, Series 1 (N28) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1887

This lithograph was created by Allen & Ginter, a cigarette company, as part of a series of collectible cards featuring "World's Champions". In the late 19th century, such cards were used to market products, but they also provide a glimpse into the cultural values of the time. Vignaux, a French billiard champion, is presented here in a way that emphasizes his respectability. Think about the European colonial era and the social standing afforded to white, male athletes. The card reinforces a hierarchy where certain individuals and their achievements are celebrated and commodified. The commercialization of sports figures and the use of their images to sell products were emerging practices reflecting the growing influence of mass culture and advertising. Consider the historical context of this card and how it mirrors broader issues of representation, cultural values, and the marketing of identity.