A Short History of General Robert E. Lee, from the Histories of Generals series of booklets (N78) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

W. Duke, Sons & Co. created this small chromolithograph booklet around the turn of the 20th century as part of their "Generals" series. The composition is neatly organized, with the subject, General Robert E. Lee, framed by a laurel wreath, a symbol of honor and victory. Above him, the Confederate flag adds another layer to the visual narrative. The use of color, with soft pinks and blues, contrasts sharply with the historical weight of its subject matter, creating a tension that invites closer inspection. Symmetrical layout and design offer a sense of order and reverence, typical of commemorative imagery of the time. But this formal structure is laden with cultural codes. The booklet functions as both a commercial item, promoting Duke cigarettes, and as a symbol deeply embedded in the contested history of the American Civil War. The orderly arrangement and soft hues may serve to sanitize a more complex and unsettling history, prompting us to consider how visual forms can be used to shape historical narratives.