Life Guard, England, from the Military Uniforms series (T182) issued by Abdul Cigarettes 1881

"Life Guard, England," from the Military Uniforms series, was issued by Abdul Cigarettes around the turn of the 20th century, a time when European imperial powers were expanding their reach across the globe. These cigarette cards were a popular form of advertising and collecting, reflecting the Edwardian era's fascination with military might and national identity. In this card we see a portrait of a soldier in full dress uniform; the visual presentation of the soldier's identity serves to reinforce notions of British superiority. What does it mean to portray a soldier as a symbol of national pride, especially when that pride is built on colonial expansion and military dominance? This image presents a romanticized view of military service that obscures the harsh realities of war and the human cost of empire. As you consider this image, think about the stories it tells, and the silences it maintains. How does it feel to encounter such a blatant display of imperial power today?