Theobaud Bauer, Graeco-Roman Wrestler, from World's Champions, Second Series (N43) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This image of Theobaud Bauer, a Greco-Roman wrestler, was created by Allen & Ginter for their series of cigarette cards. These cards, printed on thin paper stock, were meant to be collected and traded, and were a popular marketing tool in the late 19th century. What's fascinating here is the convergence of labor, sport, and consumerism. On one hand, you have the labor of the wrestler, whose body is his work. On the other, the labour involved in cultivating and processing tobacco. Then there’s the skilled labour of the printing process, which allowed for mass production. The company would employ illustrators and printers to create these cards, which were then distributed with their cigarettes. The image itself, though small, speaks volumes about the culture of the time. The wrestler is presented as a strong, virile figure, embodying the ideals of physical prowess and athleticism. The card offered a glimpse into the lives of ‘World’s Champions’, transforming them into commodities to be consumed by the masses. It’s a reminder that even the most seemingly straightforward images are embedded in complex social and economic relations.