Carbineer, Italy, 1853 from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph, made in 1853 by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, depicts an Italian Carbineer. The Carbineer's most striking feature is his elaborate hat, adorned with a tricolor plume. This emblem, beyond its decorative purpose, speaks to the enduring human impulse to signal belonging and allegiance. Think back to ancient Greece and Rome. The plumed helmet was the mark of a warrior, signifying courage and status. Over centuries, this symbol of martial identity has reappeared in varied forms—from the feathered headdresses of indigenous tribes to the elaborate headwear of European royalty. Each iteration carries echoes of past meanings, yet also acquires new significance within its unique cultural context. The collective memory embedded in such symbols exerts a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This visual language continues to evolve, resurfacing time and again, each time colored by the ever-changing tapestry of human experience.