Jacob Schaefer, Billiard Player, from World's Champions, Series 1 (N28) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1887

Editor: Here we have “Jacob Schaefer, Billiard Player” from 1887 by Allen & Ginter, made with colored pencil and print. It has an interesting snapshot quality and the colors have faded, which gives it a slightly ghostly effect. What can you tell us about this image? Curator: Well, this isn't just an image, it's a window into the marketing practices of the late 19th century. Allen & Ginter were a cigarette company, and these cards were included in cigarette packs. This one features Jacob Schaefer, a famous billiard player of the time. Editor: So, it’s basically advertising. Did these cards have a function beyond promoting cigarettes? Curator: Absolutely! Think about it. This was a pre-internet era. How else would people learn about sports figures or other celebrities? These cards acted as a form of mass media, circulating images and narratives about success, celebrity, and even aspiration. They democratized access to imagery. Editor: Democratized how? Weren’t cigarettes a luxury item? Curator: True, but compared to, say, purchasing a photograph, a cigarette pack was far more accessible. This also shaped perceptions. By associating their brand with these "World Champions," Allen & Ginter was implying that smoking their cigarettes could lead to success and recognition. What’s interesting to consider is how they constructed their idea of an aspirational lifestyle through visual imagery. Editor: I never thought of it that way. It's interesting how consumerism and celebrity culture were intertwined even then. Curator: Exactly! And it highlights the crucial role that images play in shaping cultural values and promoting consumerism – something that is just as relevant today. Editor: So much to unpack in a tiny image! I’ll never look at a trading card the same way again. Curator: And that’s the power of understanding the social and cultural history behind a work of art – it transforms the way we see the world.