SERIES: Pictorial History of the Sports and Pastimes of All Nations
SCENES: Music and oratory; playing jacks; gladiator
SIZE: 3" x 5"
ARTIST: Not signed, but reportedly Frances Brundage
DATE: 1893
LITHOGRAPHER: Kaufman & Strauss
CONDITION: Very good, I'd say. This card is lightly soiled with slightly worn edges and corners. There are tiny creases at three of the corners and mild thumb bends near the upper and lower left corners. (Please see scans.)
MULTIPLE ITEM SHIPPING DISCOUNT: I will ship up to 4 cards for the single base shipping charge shown. For purchases of more than 4 cards, the shipping charge will increase by just a small increment for every 4 additional cards.
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REVERSE TEXT: GREECE.
TO the Greeks we are even to-day more indebted than to any nation of ancient times. They had a culture all their own, and a civilization far in advance of all contemporary lands. In character, too, they were the superiors of all their neighbors. Under their kindly domination the arts all flourished, and the Greeks were the only ancients who had a true conception of beauty.
Music and oratory were highly esteemed and honored by them and proud was he who might wear the bays. Even in the family circle such a one was honored. Often before an audience "fit though few," he rehearsed those impassioned periods which were to give him public applause and undying fame. Or, beside him rested the sweet-voice lyre, into which through his fingers he poured his soul, and from whence rolled the emotions of that soul in entrancing melody.
The most celebrated of the Greek Hellenic games were those celebrated at Olympia every four years, and known as the Olympic games. Spectators from all over the world came to witness these sports. When these games were at the height of popularity, they lasted five days. Running contests were the most important. Wrestling matches, leaping, throwing quoits and javelins, and many similar trials were indulged in. Then boxing was introduced, and finally the four horse chariot-race became the great feature. For the gladiatorial combat, helmet, shield and other armor were in general use. The modern game of jackstones was invented by the ancient Greeks, and played by their children. But pebbles were their instruments of play, and these required much more skill than the little molded iron jackstones of to-day. Ball, was another and favorite game; the Greeks named it "Sphaira"--a sphere. It was a gentle sport with them, mostly played by women, and often to the accompaniment of music.
