Officer, Sharp Shooters, Italy, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This trade card, issued by Kinney Tobacco Company in the late 19th century, depicts an Italian officer, made with chromolithography, a color printing technique that utilizes a series of lithographic stones, each applying a different color to create a complete image. The card’s glossy surface and vibrant colors speak to the industrial processes of mass production. The image portrays an officer in meticulous detail, from the gold trim to the plume in his cap, which reflects the labor and skill involved in the design. The very fact that this image was used to sell cigarettes reveals how art became enmeshed with consumer culture. Consider the contrast between the detailed artistry of the image, and its disposable nature as a promotional item. This card asks us to reflect on the labor and systems of production behind both the artwork and the product it advertised, blurring the lines between art, commerce, and everyday life.