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

This promotional lithograph of a Chasseur from Algeria was created in 1853 by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. At first glance, the figure's vibrant uniform, rendered in a palette of blues, reds and yellows, immediately draws the eye. The figure’s posture is erect, and the gaze is fixed in the middle distance, conveying authority. The image is more than just a portrait; it embodies the visual codes of 19th-century colonialism. The semiotic system at play uses the exoticism of the Algerian soldier to sell a commercial product. Note how the structure of the military uniform, with its stark lines and contrasting colors, serves to create a visual hierarchy. The emphasis is on presenting an image of order, control, and exotic appeal. The image challenges established notions by commodifying military power and cultural difference through advertising. The Chasseur is thus transformed into a signifier of both colonial authority and consumer desire.