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

Curator: Allen & Ginter produced this striking chromolithograph in 1888. Part of their “Great Generals” series, this particular card depicts Frederick the Great, King of Prussia. The image was created for distribution within cigarette packs. Editor: There's an undeniable stiffness to the figure, almost cartoonish. It's visually bold and immediately grabs your attention, especially with those saturated reds and blues set against that rather unusual gray and gold backdrop. It certainly stands out. Curator: Absolutely, the portrait operates within the visual conventions of 19th-century collectible cards, designed to be eye-catching. Consider the socio-political implications, though. This piece circulated images of power at a time when mass media was transforming how people understood leadership and national identity. These small images reinforced, or even created, cultural heroes, primarily targeting a male consumer base. Editor: The starburst medal is especially interesting—a clear symbol of rank and military achievement. It contrasts beautifully with the flamboyance of his huge feathered hat and the rather excessive blush. The medal feels timeless, harkening back to older concepts of power, and perhaps hinting at divinity as well, while the colors and patterns situate us firmly within the late 1800s, when the card was produced. Curator: A pertinent point. Also, we shouldn't forget the subtle propagandistic element in portraying Frederick as "Great." Such portrayals glossed over, and even justified, problematic elements of his reign. In light of today's more critical perspectives, it demands examination rather than blind acceptance. These images shaped collective memory. Editor: That's the paradox, isn’t it? This seemingly simple cigarette card reveals the complex ways that symbols are used to convey cultural values. It's not just about pretty colors or recognizable portraits. The star, the colors, the name itself—each contributes to the image’s larger meaning, both at the time it was made, and what it reflects to us now. Curator: Precisely, and those meanings shift across generations and socio-political landscapes. Viewing them in conversation with modern discourses illuminates power dynamics that were largely unacknowledged at the time. Editor: Examining those threads connecting the historical and symbolic registers gives us such a full and fascinating glimpse.