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

This chromolithograph, "Cyclops", is part of the "The World's Racers" series of trading cards created by Allen & Ginter in 1888 to promote their cigarettes. The card depicts a thoroughbred racehorse, Cyclops, in profile with its jockey on its back. It is a colorful, detailed image, typical of the chromolithographic style, that features a backdrop of a field and distant trees. Allen & Ginter, based in Richmond, Virginia, were well-known for their popular trading cards that often featured athletes, animals, and other subjects. This small format card, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, illustrates the popular hobby of collecting trading cards in the 19th century.