A Short History of General G. E. Pickett, from the Histories of Generals series (N114) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Smoking and Chewing Tobacco 1888

This trade card, produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co., presents a condensed narrative of General G. E. Pickett, set within vignettes of military scenes. These images, seemingly straightforward, are laden with historical and cultural echoes. Consider the depiction of the soldier firing his rifle; it is more than a mere portrayal of combat. The act of aiming and shooting—a gesture of aggression—reverberates through centuries of art, from classical depictions of archers to Renaissance portrayals of soldiers. This recurring motif taps into a primal aspect of the human psyche, representing both defense and the will to power. The soldier's stance, reminiscent of figures in ancient battle scenes, highlights the continuity of human conflict across time. This repetition isn’t coincidental; it is a manifestation of cultural memory, a subconscious recognition of ancestral struggles. The emotional weight of these images lies in their ability to connect us to the past, invoking deep-seated fears and aspirations. This card is not merely an advertisement; it is a palimpsest of history, layered with symbols and gestures that engage our subconscious, reminding us of the cyclical nature of human experience.