U.S. Frigate Chicago, from the Naval Vessels of the World series (N226) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

Editor: This is "U.S. Frigate Chicago," a print from 1889 by Kinney Brothers, from their Naval Vessels of the World series. I find its charm in the flat, almost naive, depiction of the ship on the water, like a child's drawing but with the seriousness of industrial power behind it. How do you see this piece? Curator: That’s a great observation. I’m struck by the collision of industrial advancement and imperial ambition it represents. Produced by a tobacco company, this seemingly innocent image of a naval vessel becomes an advertisement for consumption tied directly to nationalistic pride. The "U.S. Frigate Chicago" isn't merely a ship; it symbolizes American power and expansion, subtly encouraging the consumption of both tobacco and ideology. What do you think about that? Editor: I didn't even consider the imperial aspect. That link to nationalistic pride packaged with consumerism is pretty strong and a bit unsettling. Is there also something to say about it referencing Ukiyo-e, since it uses that flat perspective but with an American symbol? Curator: Absolutely. By referencing Ukiyo-e, it’s borrowing a visual language that once depicted local pleasures and trades and applying it to project global power. The appropriation flattens not only the perspective but also cultural contexts. It suggests a sort of visual manifest destiny. Whose stories get told, and by whom, and at whose expense? Editor: Wow, I'm not sure I would have seen any of that without you pointing it out. It makes me wonder about all the layers of meaning embedded in these types of historical artifacts. Curator: Exactly! It shows how crucial it is to consider the multiple social, cultural, and political forces that shaped these seemingly simple images. Always dig deeper!