Thomas Pettit, Court Tennis Champion, from World's Champions, Series 2 (N29) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This small lithograph of Thomas Pettit, Court Tennis Champion, was part of a series made in the United States for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. These cards, inserted into cigarette packs, served as advertisements, but also tapped into a growing culture of celebrity and spectatorship. The late 19th century was an era of burgeoning mass media, and the commodification of famous athletes like Pettit reflects this shift. But the choice of ‘Court Tennis’ is very telling here. Court or ‘real’ tennis, an ancestor of the lawn tennis we know today, was popular among the upper classes and at exclusive institutions. Consider how the imagery itself creates meaning. The mustache, the tie, the striped blazer and cap: they signal wealth and social standing. Understanding this image requires us to consider the social conditions that shaped the production and reception of art. Researching the history of sports, advertising, and print culture will reveal how seemingly simple images can reflect complex social dynamics. After all, the meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.