Axel Paulsen, Skater, from World's Champions, Second Series (N43) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This lithograph, made by Allen & Ginter, presents Axel Paulsen, a skater, amidst symbols of his world. The most striking is perhaps the golden frame surrounding Paulsen, evoking classical portraiture and thus, immediately, dignifying the subject. But let us not overlook the skates themselves, adorned with laurel. Laurel wreaths, symbols of victory and immortality since ancient Greece, transcend time. They appear on Roman emperors and Renaissance heroes alike. Here, they crown Paulsen's skates, elevating him to the status of a modern champion. Consider, too, the ribbon, a motif found in various forms throughout art history. It connects disparate elements of the composition, just as memories connect disparate moments in our lives, creating a sense of continuity. What is remembered and how it is remembered is subjective, fluid, and often intertwined with personal and collective emotions. This lithograph's enduring appeal lies in its power to tap into our collective fascination with skill and the immortality of fame, a theme that continues to resonate across generations.