C.W.V. Clarke, Walker, from World's Champions, Series 2 (N29) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This lithograph from Allen & Ginter Cigarettes features C.W.V. Clarke, a champion walker, likely from the late 19th century. Clarke is depicted with a distinctive red ribbon on his chest. This symbol, while seemingly simple, invites a complex analysis. The diamond shape, formed by the intertwined ribbons, has appeared throughout history, symbolizing various concepts from protection to divine power. The repetition of the shape invokes the cyclical nature of visual symbols, their ability to resurface across time and cultures. Consider how similar motifs have appeared in heraldry, religious iconography, and even in occult symbolism. The intertwined lines resonate with ideas of connection, fate, and the hidden forces that bind us. This little ribbon, charged with symbolic weight, engages our collective memory, tapping into subconscious associations.