Life of William Ewart Gladstone, from the Histories of Poor Boys and Famous People series of booklets (N79) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This is an image from a series of booklets made around 1900 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. for Duke brand cigarettes, depicting the life of William Ewart Gladstone. Notice the flag. Here, it is more than mere patriotic display, it is a symbol of power and leadership that stretches back through antiquity, a potent reminder of the state and its authority. Consider its ancient roots—the Roman vexillum, for instance, a cloth banner carrying the name and emblem of a legion, inspiring courage and signifying Roman dominance. This image taps into our collective memory, evoking subconscious associations with strength and national identity. Yet, the flag here is on a cigarette card, transforming its meaning. This is the cyclical nature of symbols: once emblems of the highest ideals, they are absorbed, transformed, and sometimes trivialized by popular culture.