General Ulysses S. Grant, from Leaders series (N222) issued by Kinney Bros. 1888

Curator: Ah, there's a fascinating piece from the Met's collection. This is a print titled "General Ulysses S. Grant, from Leaders series," created in 1888 by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. Part of a series of collectible cards, it features a portrait of the Civil War general and later U.S. President. Editor: Wow, first impression? It's like...history distilled into a trading card. There’s this almost absurd juxtaposition of Grant’s serious, rather world-weary face and this miniature battle scene beneath him, it’s got an odd narrative dissonance that really intrigues. It's also slightly caricature-like. Curator: The artist definitely took some liberties with Grant's likeness; notice the rounding of features, creating a softer, almost gentler visage compared to photographic records. This likely aimed for broader appeal, aligning with the card's purpose: promotion, not pure historical representation. The miniature battle scene functions symbolically, embedding Grant in a landscape of leadership. These types of prints often drew from the aesthetic sensibilities of Ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Editor: So it's less about historical accuracy and more about crafting a legend, I suppose. Those Ukiyo-e vibes make me think of propaganda, only it’s strangely disarming, with the coloured pencils and softened forms. He looks approachable, but undeniably burdened, his face telling the real story beyond that little battle playing out. It almost humanizes Grant beyond his heroic military role, do you feel the same? Curator: Absolutely. And look closer, observe the positioning of Grant above the battle scene. It not only situates him as the orchestrator of the depicted conflict but also aligns with iconographic traditions depicting authority figures. The slight aerial perspective enforces dominance, almost evoking classical depictions of gods surveying earthly affairs. But it's been softened as well. Editor: It's curious, right? Even in this small format, that tension plays out. The 'hero card' wanting to inflate him into some flawless leader figure but that expression…the weight of history is heavy in his gaze. Even for a bit of branded ephemera, the piece has a sort of soulful story embedded within the imagery, don’t you think? Curator: I wholeheartedly agree. It prompts reflection on memory and mythmaking. That such a small piece of commercial art can invoke questions of identity, leadership, and historical memory… is a true testament to the image’s lasting appeal. Editor: Right. For something that could have been tossed away after someone finished their smoke, this portrait card ended up outliving them all, telling tales from way back.