Marine, Spain, 1853, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This lithograph of a Spanish marine from 1853 was produced by the Kinney Tobacco Company as a promotional item for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. While seemingly a simple advertisement, the image operates within a complex web of cultural and historical associations. Spain in 1853 was a nation grappling with internal political struggles and colonial ambitions. This image, with its idealized portrayal of military strength, likely served to bolster national pride and legitimize Spain's imperial endeavors. The Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, by producing and distributing this card, were participating in the visual culture of imperialism. These cards were essentially marketing tools, designed to appeal to consumers by associating their product with the glamour and authority of the military. By studying such images, we can gain a better understanding of the relationship between art, commerce, and ideology in the late 19th century. Investigating sources like military archives, company records, and period publications, allows historians to reveal the complex forces that shaped both the production and reception of these seemingly simple artworks.