John Charles Frémont, from the Great Generals series (N15) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

Here we see John Charles Frémont, from the Great Generals series, made by Allen & Ginter for Cigarettes Brands. The stern profile, set against a landscape of towering mountains, speaks of ambition, honor, and adventure. Consider the mountain. Throughout epochs and across cultures, the mountain motif evokes the sublime, the challenge, the place for revelation. From Mount Olympus of the Greeks, home to their gods, to the spiritual significance of Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments. These landscapes symbolize not only physical obstacles but also the aspirations of the human soul, striving towards enlightenment or greatness. Note the gaze, directed towards the mountain! In the Renaissance, a profile was often used to indicate nobility and strength of character, recalling ancient Roman portraiture. Frémont looks towards the horizon as if mirroring the mountain's peak, aspiring to touch the sky. The mountain embodies the burdens and honors associated with leadership—a landscape of challenges and opportunities. We are invited to reflect on how the symbols shape our perception and understanding.