Andrew Jackson, from the Great Generals series (N15) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

This is a cigarette card of Andrew Jackson from the Great Generals series, made by Allen & Ginter. The portrait is neatly framed, presenting Jackson in his military attire against a muted backdrop, while his home nestles in the upper section. The composition invites us to consider the role of the image as a signifier of power and celebrity, neatly packaged for consumption. The artist employs a stark contrast between the crisp, meticulously rendered figure of Jackson and the softer, less defined background. The texture of his coat, accentuated by the gold epaulettes and buttons, draws the eye, creating a focal point that exudes authority. This juxtaposition highlights the tension between the individual and the landscape. Jackson's figure dominates the frame, suggesting a hierarchical ordering of space and values. The choice of color, with its emphasis on blues and golds, further reinforces a sense of formality and grandeur. Through its formal elements, the card functions as a cultural artifact, reflecting the values and ideologies of its time.