Infantry, Germany, 1886, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This small lithograph was made in 1886 by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, as part of a series to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. Our eye is drawn to the German infantryman's helmet, adorned with the Prussian Eagle. It is a symbol of power and imperial authority, echoing the Roman eagle and its association with military strength and dominion. This motif of the eagle reminds us of similar imagery throughout history, such as the eagles found on ancient Roman standards, medieval heraldry, and even modern national emblems. Each iteration carries a similar connotation of authority and divine right. The image subtly evokes the collective memory and cultural conditioning linked to symbols of national pride and military might, and its connection to the deep-seated psychological need for security and belonging. This symbol’s non-linear progression resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings across different historical contexts.