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

This small chromolithograph, created around the turn of the century by W. Duke, Sons & Co., presents a narrative of General George Gordon Meade in a colorful, compact format designed for tobacco advertisement. The composition is neatly divided, juxtaposing Meade's portrait with scenes of battle. The portrait is rendered with soft, blended tones, framed by decorative ribbons, contrasting with the lower right panel depicting conflict. Here, we observe a fallen soldier rendered with stark realism. The juxtaposition creates a visual and conceptual tension between the idealized representation of leadership and the harsh realities of war. The borders, with their repetitive patterns, confine these contrasting images, suggesting an attempt to control or frame the chaotic nature of history itself. This card operates as a sign, encoding both an image of historical significance and a commodity. The formal structure of the card mirrors the complex interplay between memory, commerce, and representation. Each element contributes to a reading of how historical figures are constructed and consumed within popular culture.