Commodore, Spain, 1886, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This is Commodore, Spain, 1886, a chromolithograph card from the Military Series, made by the Kinney Tobacco Company as a promotional item for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. These cards were made during a period of intense imperial expansion and military build-up in Europe. This image flattens the complexities of Spanish identity into a singular representation of military authority. We see a commodore adorned in a detailed uniform with gold embellishments, a red sash, and a ceremonial sword. The man's gaze is direct, his stance rigid, conveying power. What does it mean to see the commodore of Spain, a country with a long history of colonial exploits, presented on a cigarette card meant for mass consumption? The commodore becomes a symbol, not just of military might, but of a national identity inextricably linked to its imperial past. These cards offer a glimpse into how identities were constructed, marketed, and consumed. They are a small reminder of the stories we tell ourselves about who we are.