Roswell P. Flower of New York, from the Presidential Possibilities series (N124) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1888

Curator: Here we have a lithograph titled "Roswell P. Flower of New York, from the Presidential Possibilities series," dating back to 1888 and created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. Editor: My first impression is one of bemused seriousness. The portrait, though intended to project perhaps authority, almost borders on caricature with those rather prominent sideburns and that slightly too-small bow tie. Curator: The rigid frontality emphasizes structure, directing the viewer’s eye immediately to the focal point. The use of color is striking; note the contrasts between the subdued grey tones of his suit and the somewhat florid pink of his cheeks. Editor: Those "florid pink cheeks," as you say, certainly play into the cultural memory surrounding politicians, the perceived health and vitality associated with leadership, and this being a tobacco advertisement only deepens the association to perceived male strength. The whole image is ripe with symbolic codes from its era. Curator: Precisely, the series title "Presidential Possibilities" sets up an aspirational visual framework. Even the sharp delineation of lines defining his suit and facial features suggest resolution and intent, characteristics desired of a political leader. Editor: And you see how this ties into advertising imagery from this era. Presenting figures with established prestige implying that using this tobacco might provide aspirational benefits to the consumer; a coded promise of elevating their own social standing. Curator: I appreciate how the image employs a flat plane which gives the entire composition a graphic quality. Editor: It truly offers a layered look into the social values embedded within late 19th-century commercial imagery, right? A snapshot into an era keen on visually cementing social roles and aspirations through even mundane objects. Curator: It’s an interesting examination of power and marketing and structure as visual narrative. Editor: Indeed, quite thought-provoking, leaving me with more than a faint echo of bygone ambitions and illusions created through advertising.