Walter Q. Gresham of Illinois, from the Presidential Possibilities series (N124) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1888

This late 19th-century lithograph from W. Duke, Sons & Co. presents Walter Q. Gresham of Illinois, part of a series promoting Honest Long Cut Tobacco. The composition is dominated by Gresham's figure, closely framed to emphasize his face and beard. The subdued palette, punctuated by the blue background, creates a formal yet accessible image. Gresham's gaze is direct, suggesting a figure of authority and integrity, while his neatly groomed beard and attire denote respectability. The lithograph relies on a semiotic system of signs: the image functions as a cultural code, tapping into contemporary ideas about leadership and trustworthiness. It challenges the usual separation of commerce and politics by using a potential presidential candidate to promote a product. The carefully controlled textures and balanced composition underscores a tension between advertising and portraiture, highlighting the evolving relationship between art, commerce, and identity. This complexity suggests a deliberate engagement with new ways of thinking about representation and influence.