Napier, from the Great Generals series (N15) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

This is a trading card of ‘Napier, from the Great Generals series’ for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. The composition divides the frame vertically: a portrait of Napier dominates the foreground while a formation of soldiers marches in the background. The artist plays with scale, using the figure of Napier to dwarf the military scene, creating a focal point with his elaborate hair and upward gaze. This visual hierarchy draws attention to the individual rather than the collective. The palette contrasts Napier’s ruddy complexion and red uniform against the muted greys and browns of the background, creating visual interest through colour and tonal contrast. This tension between individual and environment, combined with a commercial context, disrupts traditional notions of portraiture and heroism.