Life of Senator Leland Stanford, from the Histories of Poor Boys and Famous People series of booklets (N79) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This small chromolithograph, printed around 1870 by W. Duke, Sons & Co., is one of a series of cigarette cards depicting the lives of successful men. Framed by an ornate, golden border, Leland Stanford is presented in profile, a pose reminiscent of ancient Roman portraiture and coinage. The profile view, historically used for emperors and dignitaries, emphasizes the individual's authority and status. This harks back to the visual language of power, seen in everything from Renaissance medals to Neoclassical busts. Even today, the profile evokes a sense of formality, prestige, and a certain timelessness. It’s a carefully constructed image, one that connects Stanford to a lineage of leaders and historical figures, subtly imbuing him with their enduring symbolic power. This card is not just a portrait, but a carefully constructed symbol of aspiration, designed to resonate with deep-seated cultural associations of success and authority.