John McKay, Oarsman, from World's Champions, Series 1 (N28) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1887

This is John McKay, Oarsman, made by Allen & Ginter for their series of cigarette cards. Note the figure in isolation, suspended between the ethereal clouds above and a boat cutting through the water below. This motif of the lone rower resonates with the ancient symbol of the boat—a vessel of passage, both physical and spiritual. Think of the Egyptians, who saw boats as essential for navigating the river of life and death. This single oarsman evokes a similar sense of journey, but one of personal struggle and triumph. In ancient Greek mythology, boats carried souls across the River Styx. Over time, its meaning has shifted from merely a means of transport to a symbol of individual struggle, pushing against the currents of fate. Consider the psychological weight of this image. The rower, set against the vastness of the water, embodies human ambition and the relentless pursuit of goals. We are drawn to this image because it mirrors our own internal drives and desires for achievement. The isolation of the rower amplifies a sense of human determination. It's a recurring theme, a symbol of perseverance resurfacing through history.