Private Artillery, United States Army, 1886, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

Curator: Here we have an 1888 print titled "Private Artillery, United States Army, 1886" from the Military Series, a promotional item for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes by the Kinney Tobacco Company. Editor: The figure strikes me as both proud and somewhat melancholy. The blue uniform is very striking but appears a bit faded. Curator: These cards were originally produced as advertising inserts. The imagery serves the purpose of romanticizing military service. Remember that during the late 19th century, the US was deeply invested in expanding its military presence. Editor: Precisely. Look at the cape draped dramatically over his shoulder—it seems deliberately theatrical, reinforcing this glorified image of military life while conveniently masking any uncomfortable realities about warfare. The small format contributes to a sense of intimacy, almost as if the viewer is receiving a personal endorsement. Curator: Right, these trade cards also reflect social hierarchies within the military and broader American society at the time. By focusing on figures like this artillery private, Kinney Tobacco Company aimed to connect with a very specific consumer base: upwardly mobile white men, eager to embrace symbols of patriotism and national identity. Editor: The somewhat simplified and romanticized depiction almost borders on caricature. I question the image’s impact: who exactly was being targeted? It hints at constructing, and possibly exploiting, notions of masculinity intertwined with military might. It prompts you to ask about recruitment—especially during a time marked by various social conflicts. Curator: These promotional cards certainly offer us a fascinating, albeit mediated, snapshot into how the military was marketed to the public. It speaks volumes about the use of imagery to shape national pride and market aspiration. Editor: Absolutely. By decoding this simple image we unveil layers about identity construction, socio-economic targeting and manipulation woven through marketing techniques that can teach us a great deal even today.