Custom Officer, Spain, 1853, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This small chromolithograph was made by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company around 1888, as part of a series of collectible cards included in Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. Though seemingly a simple promotional item, the card embodies a complex intersection of art, industry, and cultural values. The chromolithography process allowed for mass production of colorful images, fueling consumer culture and creating a demand for collectible items. Look closely, and you’ll notice the intricate details. The texture of the officer’s uniform and the landscape is achieved through a combination of skilled hand work and industrial printing techniques. These cards were not simply advertisements; they were cultural artifacts that reflected societal interests and hierarchies. The image of the Spanish Custom Officer, Spain, 1853, evokes a sense of exoticism and military prowess, appealing to consumers' desires for adventure and status. The Kinney Brothers leveraged the appeal of fine art to promote a mass-produced commodity. Appreciating this card involves understanding the historical context, the labor involved in its production, and the ways in which it blurs the lines between commerce and art.