Arouebussier, France, 16th Century, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This is "Arouebussier, France, 16th Century" a promotional card from the Military Series, made by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. The card is dominated by the figure of a 16th-century French soldier, set against contrasting panels of colour. Note how the composition is split vertically into three distinct zones: a muted gold field behind the soldier, a red stripe, and a band of stylized blue and gold ornamentation. This division creates a dynamic tension, disrupting a simple reading of the image. The soldier's figure, rendered in sharp detail, stands in contrast to the more abstract background elements. His elaborate attire and weaponry are depicted with precision, yet the overall effect is flattened, almost like a collage. This tension between representation and abstraction reflects a broader artistic interest in the nature of signs and their ability to convey meaning. The card challenges fixed meanings and engages with new ways of thinking about representation. Ultimately, it serves as a potent reminder of how signs and symbols can be manipulated to convey complex ideas and meanings.