Standard Bearer, France, 16th Century, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This small lithograph was created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. It depicts a French standard bearer from the 16th century. The card's imagery is realized through lithography, a printing technique that involves drawing on a stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, applying ink, and then pressing the image onto paper. The process allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction, perfectly suited for mass-produced promotional items like this one. The image is a riot of color, with an idealized vision of military regalia. Note the contrast between the visual luxury of the image, and the low cost of its production. The image is part of a larger series, reflecting the branding strategies employed by the tobacco industry at the time. These cards were designed to be collected and traded, fostering brand loyalty while also shaping popular perceptions of history and culture. The skilled labor of the artist and the press workers is somewhat obscured by the card’s promotional purpose, yet it's essential to appreciate the immense amount of work that went into creating these ephemeral objects. Ultimately, this card reminds us that even seemingly disposable items can offer valuable insights into the intersection of art, commerce, and society.