John Gow, Execution of Gow, from the Pirates of the Spanish Main series (N19) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1886 - 1891

Editor: So, here we have "John Gow, Execution of Gow," a print from the Pirates of the Spanish Main series, dating from around 1886-1891, made for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. The juxtaposition of Gow’s stern portrait against the depiction of his hanging creates a really unsettling contrast, almost like a before-and-after image. What stands out to you when you look at it? Curator: Well, instantly, I am struck by the layered symbolism. On one hand, we have Gow himself, presented as an individual, almost romanticized with the bold color of the hat; yet, juxtaposed with the muted tones of the execution scene, his fate feels pre-ordained. The symbolic weight rests on the depiction of authority and justice against the individual – or perhaps, in this case, the outlaw. Editor: That's interesting. I hadn't thought about the contrast in color palettes contributing to the symbolic weight. Do you see any cultural ideas being reinforced by this image? Curator: Absolutely. The execution is presented as orderly, controlled. It's an assertion of societal order over individual rebellion. But the question remains: Is this just a straightforward celebration of justice, or is there perhaps a subtle commentary on the price of dissent? These images often walked a tightrope, reinforcing dominant narratives while also tapping into the rebellious spirit they depicted. What kind of association can you establish there? Editor: It's fascinating to consider those layers, especially in what seems like a simple advertisement. It definitely has a stronger story to tell than I initially thought! Curator: Exactly! And that's the power of symbols. They can reflect and reinforce cultural memory in subtle and powerful ways, embedded in the visual landscape of our daily lives, such as a small commercial image. It changes the way we look at this print now, doesn’t it?