Fatigue Cap, Infantry, Russia, from the Military Uniforms series (T182) issued by Abdul Cigarettes 1881

This is "Fatigue Cap, Infantry, Russia," a chromolithograph card issued by Abdul Cigarettes. The composition is dominated by the figure of a Russian infantryman, rendered in profile, and the layering of shapes creates a distinct visual hierarchy. The artist uses a restricted palette, relying on the interplay of greens, reds, and golds to convey the uniform's details. A formal analysis reveals how color functions structurally, delineating different components of the uniform and guiding the viewer's eye. Notice the texture of the cap, achieved through careful chromatic variation, and the sharp lines defining the soldier's features. The card series was not just a commercial enterprise but an exercise in visual taxonomy. It invites us to consider how cultural identities are constructed and disseminated. Each card becomes a signifier, contributing to a broader understanding of national identity and military power. This work serves as a reminder that even the most seemingly innocuous objects can be rich with cultural and historical meaning.