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

Editor: So, here we have "Infantry, Algeria, 1853," a print from 1888 by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. The vivid color against the beige background makes the soldier pop, and I immediately notice how the red of the pants dominates the composition. What do you see in this piece that stands out? Curator: Focusing on the formal elements, observe how the artist employs a rather limited color palette. The primary hues – red and blue – create a visually striking contrast, enhancing the overall impact despite the relatively static pose of the figure. Consider how the linear quality of the rendering defines form, especially in the depiction of the uniform's detailing. Is there a dynamic tension achieved through the juxtaposition of these carefully balanced elements? Editor: That’s a great observation. It’s static, like you said, yet the high-contrast color gives it some pop. I hadn't thought of the stillness as a choice related to its design, like it makes up for some of the limited action with a bold statement in the colors and lines. Curator: Exactly. And the placement of the figure— centrally located with only slight variations of depth using simplified planar forms in the background— draws attention back to the picture plane, reinforcing the composition as a unified arrangement of forms. To that end, even the slight imperfections become quite powerful in reinforcing a kind of "primitive" figuration as the overall structure is privileged in the composition. Editor: Interesting, and helpful, way to see it. I can dig in and focus on those techniques, those basic structural techniques of the print now. Thanks. Curator: My pleasure. It's all about close looking!