Life of John Lawrence Sullivan, from the Histories of Poor Boys and Famous People series of booklets (N79) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This small lithograph by W. Duke, Sons & Co., once tucked into cigarette packs, immortalizes John L. Sullivan. The red circle behind Sullivan evokes ancient traditions of haloed figures, signifying importance. Below, a vignette of Sullivan in action displays a fascinating mix of sporting imagery: boxing, weightlifting, and even bowling pins. These symbols of strength and virility connect to the classical ideals of athleticism and the glorification of the human body, reminiscent of ancient Greek sculptures. Consider how the raised fist, a potent symbol in boxing, echoes across time, from ancient gladiatorial combats to modern-day political rallies. It embodies a primal assertion of power, a gesture loaded with emotional intensity that resonates deeply within our collective memory. Sullivan, through this very gesture, transcends his time, becoming a figure of enduring strength in the ongoing drama of human ambition and struggle.