L.E. Meyers, Runner, from World's Champions, Second Series (N43) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This small chromolithograph, made by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette cards, features L.E. Meyers, a champion runner, surrounded by floral motifs and classical allegories. The cherubic figure, reminiscent of ancient Greco-Roman depictions of Eros or Cupid, suggests themes of love, desire, and aspiration. Note how the image is framed by roses, symbols of beauty and ephemeral existence, echoing the fleeting glory of athletic achievement. The cherub, cradled amidst these blooms, bears wings akin to those of Hermes, the messenger god, linking earthly accomplishments with divine favor. This iconography has its roots in antiquity, where athletic prowess was celebrated as a manifestation of ideal human form, a concept that continued to echo through the Renaissance. Yet, here, the classical symbols are somewhat repurposed, reflecting the Victorian era’s complex relationship with its classical heritage. The cherub is not merely a symbol of divine love or beauty, but perhaps also a nod to the transience of fame. It is a reminder of the relentless passage of time, urging us to consider how our fleeting moments of glory will be remembered.