J.D. Morrisey, from the Racing Colors of the World series (N22a) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This is a lithograph trading card of J.D. Morrisey, created by Allen & Ginter for their series, "Racing Colors of the World." Produced in Richmond, Virginia, in the late 19th century, this card offers a window into the complex intersections of sport, commerce, and identity. Tobacco cards like these were hugely popular, reflecting and shaping cultural values. The representation of Morrisey, a jockey, raises questions about race and class within the exclusive world of horse racing. While the series aimed to depict international figures, it also participated in the visual culture of its time, which often exoticized or romanticized certain identities. The card's small size belies its significance as a cultural artifact, capturing a moment in history where entertainment, advertising, and societal perceptions were deeply intertwined. These cards were both a product of and a reflection on the era's attitudes towards race, labor, and leisure.