Count Vauvineaux, from the Racing Colors of the World series (N22b) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph of Count Vauvineaux comes from a series called “Racing Colors of the World,” printed by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. These cards, distributed with tobacco products, offer a glimpse into the late 19th century’s fascination with global culture, distilled into a collectible form. The image depicts a jockey in racing silks, identified as Count Vauvineaux. Yet, the figure's delicate features challenge conventional gender norms associated with this masculine sport. The soft pastels and almost porcelain-like skin contribute to an androgynous representation, complicating our understanding of identity within the rigid social structures of the time. Is this a novel embrace of gender fluidity, or simply an aesthetic choice catering to the male gaze? These cards reflect and shape societal values, intertwining commerce, sport, and identity. It invites us to consider the complex interplay between representation, identity, and the marketplace. What does it mean to embody these different aspects of society?