War Department Building in Washington, from the General Government and State Capitol Buildings series (N14) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

Editor: This is an image of the War Department Building in Washington, D.C., created around 1889 by Allen & Ginter. It’s made with colored pencils and printing. It looks like it could be a postcard, depicting a rather imposing building. What stands out to you in this piece? Curator: Immediately, I notice how the building embodies stability, a rootedness signified not just by its architecture but by the visual language itself. Notice the horizontal emphasis, the firm lines anchoring it to the ground. These elements collectively project an aura of permanence. What stories do you imagine are embedded within those walls? Editor: Stories of strategy, perhaps? Bureaucracy? There's an austerity to it, despite the decorative details. Curator: Exactly. That austerity reflects a commitment, a dedication. Consider the symmetry employed; each window, each structural component echoes another. Symmetry is often associated with order, balance, and authority. The building literally embodies these qualities. Does it evoke feelings about the nature of power? Editor: Definitely, especially how institutions strive for an image of control and permanence. The image almost feels… staged. Curator: Staged precisely to evoke trust and project power. Even the landscaping, the neatly trimmed hedges, contribute to this image of unwavering authority. What do you think the muted colors contribute? Editor: It adds to that sense of established order and quiet strength. It's not trying to be flashy, just solid. Curator: Precisely. It’s fascinating how images can be so carefully constructed to carry cultural weight, don’t you think? Editor: Absolutely. It’s incredible to unpack the symbolism that even what seems like a simple architectural depiction can hold. Curator: Yes, looking closer reveals an intended emotional message embedded in our surroundings, then and now.