Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev, from the Great Generals series (N15) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

This chromolithograph of Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev by Allen & Ginter features the Russian general, framed by scenes of military might. Skobelev’s striking beard and piercing eyes draw us in, yet it is the backdrop of soldiers and cannons that truly speaks to the zeitgeist. The cannon, an ancient symbol of power, evokes images of Roman legions and medieval siege engines, transcending time through its continued presence on battlefields. The rigid posture of the soldiers echoes the disciplined ranks of ancient armies, their spears mirroring the weaponry of antiquity. This imagery is not merely decorative; it taps into a primal, collective memory of conflict and dominance, stirring deep-seated emotions of fear and awe. Observe how the artist uses these symbols to elevate Skobelev, associating him with a lineage of great commanders. The cannon’s thunder becomes his voice, the soldiers’ resolve, his will. This is more than a portrait; it is an invocation of power, a visual echo resonating through the ages.