Infantry, Spain, 1853, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This lithograph titled Infantry, Spain, 1853, comes from a series produced by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as a promotional item for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The image presents a full-length portrait of a Spanish infantryman, rendered with meticulous detail and vibrant color. The composition relies on a vertical arrangement, emphasizing the soldier’s erect posture and the length of his rifle. Blue dominates the color palette, offset by the bright yellows and reds of the uniform's trim, drawing the viewer's eye upward. The formal precision of the depiction speaks to the commercial intent, aiming for clarity and appeal. The lithograph invites us to consider the commodification of imagery and its role in shaping perceptions of military power. Its formal structure reinforces a sense of order and visual hierarchy, transforming a soldier into a symbol of national identity and consumer culture. Note how the precision in the lines and colours is also intended to convey a sense of trust.