Officer, 7th Infantry, New Jersey Militia, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This lithograph, produced by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, presents an officer of the 7th Infantry, New Jersey Militia. His sword, held rigidly, symbolizes military authority and readiness to defend, a concept as old as civilization itself. Consider the sword's symbolic journey: from the Bronze Age, where it represented raw power, to medieval Europe, where it became imbued with chivalric ideals and divine right. The sword's symbolic power transcends mere functionality; it embodies protection, justice, and command. Think of classical sculptures, medieval tapestries, and Renaissance paintings. The image of the sword, brandished or sheathed, has been carefully crafted over millennia to stir primal emotions. This image captures the potent psychological impact of military regalia, designed to inspire both loyalty and fear, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The symbols of military authority evoke a sense of order and power. These same archetypes persist in our collective psyche, endlessly reappearing in various forms, reflecting our complex relationship with power and protection.