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

This lithograph of General John B. Magruder was created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as a promotional item for their tobacco products. The composition is segmented, with each section presenting distinct visual information. We see a portrait of Magruder, the brand name, an image of a soldier carrying the Confederate flag, and decorative patterns. The rigid structure and segmentation reflect the formalist ideas of the late 19th century, emphasizing the aesthetic arrangement of parts to convey a message. Consider the semiotic implications here: the image is not just a portrait but a constructed sign. Each element, from Magruder's stern gaze to the Confederate flag, is a signifier loaded with cultural meaning. The work challenges traditional portraiture by integrating advertising and historical imagery. The commercial context destabilizes conventional notions of heroism and remembrance. The combination of general, flag, and product creates a complex interplay of identity, memory, and consumerism.