Order of the Lion of Netherlands, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

The Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company produced this image of the Order of the Lion of the Netherlands as a promotional item for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. This small card is part of a larger "Military Series." Looking at the image, we can see how it uses potent symbols of national identity and honor. The Order of the Lion, prominently displayed, signifies valor and service to the Netherlands, a country with a rich military and colonial history. Note how the imagery combines both Dutch nationalism and the branding of a commercial product. In the late 19th century, tobacco companies often used such cards to boost sales, tapping into the growing sense of patriotism and militarism. This card, therefore, reflects the social conditions of its time, where national pride was increasingly intertwined with consumer culture. To fully understand the context of this image, one could research the history of the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, the rise of cigarette advertising, and the cultural significance of military honors in the Netherlands. By exploring these avenues, we can better understand how art and commerce intersect with national identity.