Fenelon, from The World's Racers series (N32) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

Allen & Ginter produced this small chromolithograph of the racehorse Fenelon as a collectible insert for their cigarettes. This image, part of a series called "The World's Racers," speaks volumes about the cultural landscape of late 19th-century America. Produced in Richmond, Virginia, the card reflects the post-Civil War South's attempts to rebuild its economy. Horse racing, a sport deeply entwined with wealth and status, offered a spectacle of leisure and a field for gambling. Cigarette companies like Allen & Ginter utilized these images to appeal to a broad consumer base, linking their product with sophistication and the thrill of the race. The image itself, with its detailed rendering of the horse and jockey, conveys a sense of realism and admiration. But, of course, what is visible in the image is only the beginning of understanding it. To fully appreciate this card, we delve into archives, business histories, and sporting records, piecing together the social and economic forces that gave it meaning. Ultimately, this small card provides a lens through which we can examine the values and aspirations of a society in transition.