Private, 2nd Regiment, Iowa, National Guard, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph of a soldier was created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as a promotional insert for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. These cards were part of a larger cultural phenomenon in the late 19th century, when tobacco companies began using colorful, collectible cards to stiffen cigarette packs and attract customers. This particular card depicts a private from the 2nd Regiment of the Iowa National Guard. His uniform reflects the fashion of the time. The image is a window into the social and political landscape of the United States during the late 1800s. The National Guard was emerging as a force for both domestic order and national defense. The card evokes themes of patriotism, military service, and American identity. The image invites us to consider the role of advertising in shaping public perceptions of the military. Understanding this artwork requires examining the history of advertising, the military, and the cultural values of the period.