Johnny Kane, Champion Bronco Rider, from the Champions of Games and Sports series (N184, Type 2) issued by W.S. Kimball & Co. 1887

This late 19th-century chromolithograph by W.S. Kimball & Co. commemorates Johnny Kane, Champion Bronco Rider. These cards were collected and traded, offering a glimpse into the cultural values of the time. What does it mean to celebrate a bronco rider? The romanticized vision of the American West often obscures the exploitation of both natural resources and Indigenous populations. The commercialization of sports figures like Kane contributes to a narrative of rugged individualism, but it’s worth considering whose stories are amplified and whose are erased. Who gets to be a "champion," and at what cost? As you look at Kane’s image, consider the power of representation and how these seemingly simple cards reflect and shape our understanding of history and identity. What feelings does it evoke in you? How does it challenge or reinforce your understanding of the American West?