H.H. The Aga Khan III, 1936 (colour litho)

Sultan Muhammed Shah (1877-1957) spiritual leader and 48th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims; a founder and first president of the All-India Muslim League, instrumental in the creation of Pakistan in 1947; religious and political leader and philanthropist; well known owner of thoroughbred racing horses, five times winner of the British Classic race 'Epsom Derby'; from the series of 'Straight Line' caricatures produced as cigarette cards by John Player & Sons; the golden age of cigarette cards was from the late 19th century until the Second World War and were immensely popular both as collector items and as a source of instruction, entertainment and amusement before the widespread use of television and radio;