E.J. Baldwin, from the Racing Colors of the World series (N22b) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph is part of Allen & Ginter's "Racing Colors of the World" series. Here, E.J. Baldwin is depicted with a whip. The whip has ancient roots as a symbol of power and authority. In antiquity, the raised hand holding a scepter or whip symbolized dominion, often associated with gods and rulers. This motif reappears throughout history; consider equestrian statues where the rider raises a baton. Now, observe the jockey holding a whip. Has its significance waned to mere motivation? Perhaps not entirely. The collective memory still associates it with control, albeit now in the context of sport. The tension in the jockey's hand, the posture—all convey an intense, subconscious drive to win. This seemingly simple image is charged with layers of historical symbolism, revealing how cultural memory subtly shapes our perceptions. The motif is a palimpsest of power that cycles through time.