Ralph Temple, Cyclist, Champion Trick Rider, from World's Champions, Second Series (N43) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This is Ralph Temple, Cyclist, Champion Trick Rider, from World's Champions, a chromolithograph produced by Allen & Ginter as an advertisement for their cigarettes. Notice how the composition is neatly divided into distinct, contrasting zones. On the left, a scene unfolds with other cyclists riding the high-wheeled bicycles of the time, framed by a tropical landscape. To the right, Ralph Temple is featured, set against a neutral backdrop, directing our focus squarely on his portrait. The division emphasizes a contrast between action and stillness. The geometric precision with which the portrait is framed gives it a sense of formal importance. In the semiotic system, Temple, adorned with medals, becomes a signifier of success. What this card does is participate in the late 19th century interest in categorizing and celebrating achievements, reflecting a broader cultural impulse to classify and understand the world. Consider how it captures not only an athlete but also the values of an era, highlighting the intersection of sport, celebrity, and consumer culture.