James Ewell Brown "Jeb" Stuart, from the Great Generals series (N15) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

This is a cigarette card depicting James Ewell Brown "Jeb" Stuart, produced by Allen & Ginter, embedding commercial symbolism within the visual iconography of military prestige. Note the Confederate flag. Its bold, diagonal cross has ancient roots, evoking the cross of Saint Andrew, a symbol of defiance and martyrdom. Flags are powerful cultural objects charged with collective emotions, representing not just nations but also complex layers of identity and belief. Here, the flag is a potent emblem of Southern identity, valor, and resistance, embodying a specific historical and cultural context. The image subtly taps into deeply ingrained archetypes of heroism and sacrifice. This card is not merely an advertisement but a carrier of cultural memory, inviting viewers to partake in a narrative charged with historical, emotional, and psychological weight. The echoes of conflict are a reminder of the cyclical nature of history.