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

Editor: This is "A Short History of General Hancock," a colored-pencil print from 1888, created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. The portrait and emblems suggest respect and admiration. What symbols do you notice within the imagery? Curator: This image resonates with symbolic language. Oak leaves often represent strength and endurance. Notice how these elements surround both Hancock's portrait and his accoutrements, creating a symbolic landscape of military prowess and personal virtue. This composition implies that the figure embodies strength and national identity. How do you interpret the soft, almost decorative framing of the portrait? Editor: I find the decorative ribbons juxtaposed with military imagery intriguing. It feels like a deliberate attempt to soften the image, perhaps making it more appealing to a wider audience. Is it typical to see this kind of "gentle" presentation in portraits of military figures from this era? Curator: Exactly! The softening reflects a societal need to reconcile the violence of war with the desire for national heroes. The ribbons almost act as a garland, signifying honor, yet they don't diminish his power. How do you feel about the repeated patterns? Editor: The repetition does lend a sense of manufactured uniformity. It is as though they’re building a visual association to sell more tobacco products. It's a potent combination of patriotism and commerce! Curator: Precisely! The layering of symbols creates a complex dialogue about heroism and commodity, speaking volumes about the era's values. I notice you picked up the oak leaves and acorns on the print, they’re not by chance! They represent integrity. The piece presents a microcosm of cultural memory and visual rhetoric. It makes one ponder what images we build up, or tear down. Editor: I agree; reflecting on this print, I realize how many layers of meaning and marketing are interwoven. Thanks, I'll keep those meanings in mind moving forward.