Alexander III, Czar of Russia, from the Rulers, Flags, and Coats of Arms series (N126-2) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. 1888

This is a lithograph of Alexander III's coat of arms, part of a series produced around the turn of the 20th century by W. Duke, Sons & Co. Immediately striking is the symmetrical composition. A double-headed eagle dominates the center, rendered in warm browns and golds that contrast with the cooler gray-green background. Above, the crown is encircled by laurel; below, the shield displays a knight, all framed within a decorative pink ring. The graphic quality of the lines and flat planes of color suggest the mechanical reproduction typical of commercial printing. The juxtaposition of imperial symbols with an advertisement reveals a tension between power and commerce. The image’s structure and clarity can be understood within the broader context of late 19th-century visual culture, where standardized imagery played an increasingly important role in shaping public perception. Notice how the repetitive patterns and simplified forms create a powerful visual statement despite its small scale, underscoring the complex interplay of art, industry, and ideology.