Private, 23rd Regiment, National Guard of the State of New York, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph, issued around 1887 by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, presents a private from the 23rd Regiment of the New York National Guard. The composition is dominated by the figure's static, full-body portrait, emphasizing the uniform's intricate details. The teal-green of the uniform, accented by white trimmings and a gold helmet spike, creates a striking yet contained visual experience. The artist's careful attention to detail, from the buttons to the epaulettes, speaks to a formal preoccupation with precision and order. This work functions as a sign, encoding social and military identities through visual codes. The uniform, with its structured form, signifies discipline and belonging. The card itself, as a mass-produced commercial object, reflects the burgeoning consumer culture of the late 19th century. The seemingly straightforward image engages with broader systems of representation and value, suggesting a complex interplay between identity, commerce, and visual culture.