Captain, Continental Artillery, United States Army, 1777, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

Curator: Let’s turn our attention to a piece from the Military Series: "Captain, Continental Artillery, United States Army, 1777." This print comes to us from Kinney Tobacco Company, dating back to 1888. Editor: My immediate impression is that this piece feels… both celebratory and slightly removed from the intensity it depicts. There’s a certain stiffness, despite the implied action of being on duty. Curator: Indeed. Considering the print's original function as a promotional insert for Sweet Caporal cigarettes, that distance is understandable. But it's more than just promotional—it's a deliberate construction of image. The color palette, while limited, carefully delineates the captain's form and emphasizes the rigid geometry of his uniform. Editor: The figure of the Captain is striking against the backdrop, though the background itself also stands out, in my opinion. The repeating motif almost overwhelms the main subject, creating a kind of visual tension. There is such precise tailoring visible; the cultural associations are fascinating, almost elevating him to a god-like position. Curator: That's a keen observation. The background almost denies depth, pushing the figure forward while simultaneously flattening the space. It creates an interesting ambiguity in how we read the image. The arrangement does speak volumes. Look at the careful arrangement of details within the frame – it gives this portrait its visual impact, elevating it above mere advertisement. Editor: Precisely! He becomes a symbol, a heroic archetype intended to evoke specific feelings, perhaps a sense of pride, loyalty, a vision of power… a powerful brand image overall. It reflects a collective memory being constructed and sold. The print becomes a touchstone for specific values of patriotism and valor in its time. Curator: I find the materiality of the work so intriguing here: how the tobacco company deploys popular visual language of fine portraiture within an industrially reproducible, commercially driven medium. Editor: And for me, the lasting impact lies in how the symbols and visual language used can trigger associations and connect us to historical narratives, prompting reflection on their intended meaning and enduring power today. Curator: I concur; it prompts a critical look at our values then and our perceptions of the world now.