Captain, Cavalry, Geneve Regiment, Italy, 1886, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This lithograph of a Captain in the Geneve Regiment of the Italian Cavalry was printed by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in 1886. It was one of a series of collectible cards included in packs of Sweet Caporal cigarettes. The image is striking for its depiction of military authority, using visual codes such as the crisp uniform, sword, and upright posture. The card creates meaning by associating the pleasure of smoking with notions of military strength and national pride. Italy in 1886 was a relatively new nation, undergoing a period of unification and empire-building. Such imagery played a role in fostering a sense of national identity and militaristic values. These cards are now valuable historical documents that offer insights into the popular culture and marketing strategies of the late 19th century. Further research into the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, military history, and the social history of smoking would help us better understand the cultural context in which this image was produced and consumed.