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

This chromolithograph, printed by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around the turn of the century, presents a formal portrait of Governor Davis of Rhode Island, flanked by symbols of state identity. The composition, segmented into three distinct panels, evokes a sense of structured order, but also of a young nation in need of definition. On the left, the state's coat of arms and a coastal scene create a tableau of Rhode Island's natural beauty and civic virtue. To the right, an "American Yacht Ensign" set against Newport architecture speaks to maritime power and economic prosperity. The portrait of Governor Davis in the center panel serves as a focal point, grounding these symbolic representations in a tangible figure of leadership. Consider how the artist juxtaposes these elements—the stern portrait, the idealized landscapes, and the emblems of state. It’s a visual strategy which uses the semiotic power of images to construct a narrative of governance, progress, and national identity.