Governor Biggs, Delaware, from "Governors, Arms, Etc." series (N133-1), issued by Duke Sons & Co. 1885 - 1892

This chromolithograph, produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around the turn of the century, offers a tripartite view of Governor Biggs within a larger tableau of Delaware’s symbols and commerce. Its design juxtaposes portraiture with elements suggestive of place and trade. The central panel, framed in pink, presents Biggs in a formal bust, his figure stark against a muted backdrop. To either side, panels depict the state’s coat of arms and a peach orchard scene, both rendered with meticulous detail. These scenes aren’t merely illustrative; they serve to embed Biggs within a semiotic network of Delaware's identity. Consider the choice of the peach orchard: it speaks to the agricultural wealth and symbolic value of nature, framing Biggs not just as a governor but as an emblem of prosperity. This juxtaposition invites us to consider how leaders are constructed and what cultural codes—prosperity, nature, and industry—are employed to define them. The artwork prompts a reconsideration of the relationship between individual identity, state emblems, and capitalist enterprise.