Governor Martin, Kansas, from "Governors, Arms, Etc." series (N133-1), issued by Duke Sons & Co. 1885 - 1892

Editor: This is "Governor Martin, Kansas," a lithograph print from the "Governors, Arms, Etc." series made between 1885 and 1892 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. It feels like a snapshot of Americana, but also a little… odd. What visual cues jump out at you? Curator: My attention is immediately drawn to the symbolic layering within this print. It's ostensibly a portrait of Governor Martin, yet it's framed by the Kansas coat of arms and images suggesting industry and expansion: agriculture and military strength. These symbols speak to the idealized identity of Kansas itself, the promise and aspirations projected onto this new land. Editor: So, it's not just a portrait of a man, but a portrait of an idea? Curator: Precisely! Notice the Latin motto, "Ad Astra Per Aspera" - "To the stars through hardship." It's juxtaposed with images of the frontier, reflecting a national narrative of conquering the wilderness. What kind of psychological space does that create? Editor: It creates a sense of determined optimism, almost as if westward expansion was the only acceptable destiny. Curator: Exactly. And consider this was created as a commercial product. This symbol-laden imagery became interwoven with the consumption of tobacco. It invites us to reflect on how ideals are packaged and disseminated. Editor: It’s interesting how it transforms what seems like a simple image into something much more complex. I’ll never look at trade cards the same way! Curator: Me neither. By carefully considering symbolic meaning, we can read the hopes and values of those who made and consumed such items, thereby revealing how potent even small images can be.