Lafayette, from Leaders series (N222) issued by Kinney Bros. 1888

This is a lithograph of the Marquis de Lafayette, printed by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in the late 19th century. The composition is neatly divided, with Lafayette's bust dominating the upper half, set against a stippled background. Below, a scene depicts his arrival in America, rendered in miniature. Notice how Lafayette's gaze is directed slightly off to the left, creating a sense of forward momentum. The use of color is strategic: muted blues and creams for the figure contrast with the brighter, more dynamic scene below, drawing our eye down the image. This juxtaposition of scale and color creates a hierarchical relationship, emphasizing Lafayette's individual importance while contextualizing him within a broader historical narrative. The print functions as a sign, encoding ideas about leadership, heroism, and transatlantic relations. The idealized representation of Lafayette speaks to the cultural values of the time, where historical figures were often presented as symbols of virtue and national identity. The print offers a carefully constructed vision of history, one that continues to invite re-examination.