W. McMickan, from the Sea Captains series (N127) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1887

Curator: Here we have "W. McMickan, from the Sea Captains series (N127)", a promotional print made in 1887 by W. Duke Sons & Co. Editor: My initial impression is quaint, yet bold. The red and gold of the Cunard flag contrasts sharply with McMickan's pale complexion, drawing attention to the slight caricature of his features. Curator: Note how McMickan's posture is rigid. The depiction of the man overlaid with the lion symbol reflects the historical power that British captains held. His ship's flag is a backdrop that is also part of his symbolic identity, tying personal prestige to commercial interests. Editor: Structurally, the image is intriguing. There’s a clear division of space with McMickan positioned centrally in front of the flag. This creates an interesting tension – is he the foreground, or merely an element within a broader advertising composition? It really makes me think about the framing, what it includes and excludes, the geometry guiding my eye. Curator: The flag’s imagery reinforces notions of dominance associated with both England and maritime professions. The symbolic language here connects McMickan's "honest" tobacco with trustworthiness of authority, which, on reflection, reveals quite a bit about the culture of the late 19th century. The composition emphasizes idealized cultural symbols, potentially at the cost of portraying the reality of McMickan’s lived experience. Editor: I agree; there's a subtle propaganda woven within the bold colors and the captain's direct gaze. Curator: This artwork is less about genuine representation, but rather speaks about shaping collective memory to drive commerce. Editor: Yes, understanding the intent here reframes our experience with the work and the symbols within the art. Thanks for that insight.