A Short History: General Joseph E. Johnston, from the Histories of Generals series (N114) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Smoking and Chewing Tobacco 1888

This chromolithograph was printed in the United States, sometime between 1870 and 1920, by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their tobacco products. Here, the image of General Joseph E. Johnston, a leading Confederate commander during the American Civil War, is carefully packaged alongside images of tobacco leaves, rowboats, and Confederate flags. This card was part of a series which highlighted generals, and it reveals how popular imagery circulated in the late 19th century. Tobacco companies were known for distributing cards with their products, and these cards often featured historical figures or events. This card, therefore, suggests an attempt to associate the consumption of tobacco with a particular vision of American history, specifically one that romanticizes the Confederacy. The image's value lies in its reflection of the social and cultural values prevalent at the time. Historical records, advertisements, and company archives can shed light on the motivations and impact of such imagery. Understanding this artwork requires examining the historical context in which it was created and consumed.