Hugh McCormack, Skater, from World's Champions, Second Series (N43) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century sports fandom with *Hugh McCormack,ater*, a gem from the *World's, Second Series (N)* issued by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes in 188. This petite commercial lithograph (just 2 15/16 x 3 1/4 inches) captures the poised intensity of champion skater Hugh McCorm, rendered in vivid colors that highlight his athletic prowess. Produced by the firm Lindner, Eddy & Claus, exemplifies the era's innovative printing techniques, where lithography enabled mass production of eye-catching portraits for widespread appeal. These cards were revolutionary marketing ephemera, tucked into cigarette packs to entice collectors and boost sales. Allen & Ginter, pioneers in the trade, launched colorful series celebrating global champions across sports, blending commerce with hero worship. McCormack's inclusion underscores skating's rising popularity in the Gilded Age, when athletes became early celebrities. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection—a treasure trove of such prints—this tiny artifact reveals how everyday objects immortalized cultural icons and fueled America's collecting craze.

About the Artist

Lindner, Eddy & Claus|Allen & Ginter (American|American) · | – |

American, Richmond, Virginia|American, New York