Mon. C.J. Lefevre, from the Racing Colors of the World series (N22a) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This is a chromolithograph trading card of Mon. C.J. Lefevre, part of the "Racing Colors of the World" series, printed by Allen & Ginter for their cigarettes. The dominant visual experience is defined by distinct, horizontal bands of colour that delineate the jockey's uniform – bands of red, white, and blue. The composition is simple, dominated by the figure of the jockey, but it's the interplay of colours that catches the eye. The semiotic system here is quite direct, with the racing colors functioning as signs of national or team identity. The organization of colours is a crucial element, reflecting a broader cultural interest in categorization and representation through visual means. Note the flatness of the image, characteristic of chromolithography, which flattens depth and emphasizes surface. This flatness, combined with the deliberate arrangement of colours, aligns with a formalist sensibility, where the visual elements are foregrounded, inviting us to consider the underlying structures that communicate meaning.