A Short History of General William J. Hardee, from the Histories of Generals series of booklets (N78) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

Curator: So, tell me, what do you make of this portrait of General William J. Hardee? It’s one of a series of collectible cards from 1888 by W. Duke, Sons & Co., inserted in their cigarette packs. Made with colored pencil, quite charming, isn't it? Editor: Charming and unsettling, I’d say. He has that penetrating stare… almost makes me want to apologize for something! It's such a tiny, precious format. You almost wouldn't expect the general to come off so imposing. Curator: Imposing for such a little thing! Yes, these cards were part of a marketing strategy, using patriotism and nostalgia to sell cigarettes in the post-Civil War era. Hardee, of course, was a Confederate general. Editor: It’s fascinating how consumerism intersects with historical narratives. Putting a controversial figure like Hardee on a cigarette card feels like sanitizing history, making him palatable for mass consumption, don't you agree? Like his intensity is merely another flavour for your enjoyment. Curator: Absolutely. Think of the wider implications, too. This kind of visual representation played a crucial role in shaping public perception. Hardee wasn't just a general; he became a symbol, mediated by the cigarette company and experienced privately. I also like how accessible this art is given its intent. No longer is art accessible only to the elite. Editor: It's eerie how commerce appropriates history. We're left contemplating Hardee’s legacy not on the battlefield, but encased with curls of smoke. It begs the question: who gets to control history and for what purpose? Curator: Indeed. It serves as a potent reminder to view such historical artifacts with a critical lens, thinking about how symbols shift within culture and time. Even as a cigarette card. Editor: Ultimately, looking at this peculiar portrait makes me conscious about all the strange ways history sneaks into our lives and how advertising agencies attempt to commodify our shared memories. A true memento mori in the most perverse sense!