Musician, United States Army, 1796, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This is Musician, United States Army, 1796, a chromolithograph card created by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as part of a series to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. Produced in the late 19th century, it reflects the United States' efforts to define its national identity through militaristic imagery. The uniform, a symbol of authority and allegiance, both includes and excludes, determining who belongs and who doesn't. Yet, what does it mean to depict a "musician" as the face of the military? Is this the artist's attempt to offer a softer, more palatable version of a soldier? Or is it a reflection on the role of music in shaping national pride and unity? The card presents a romanticized vision of the military, one that conveniently glosses over the complexities of race, class, and the human costs of conflict. What is so easily consumed as patriotic imagery is actually a curated narrative, shaping public opinion and consumer habits alike. It is a reminder of the stories we tell ourselves about our nation's past and the narratives we choose to amplify.