Highland Warrior, Scotland, 17th Century, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This small chromolithograph card was made by the Kinney Tobacco Company as part of their Military Series to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The card depicts a Scottish Highland Warrior, with shield raised against a hail of arrows. The card presents a romanticized image of Scottish Highland culture, particularly the tartan kilt, which was seen as a symbol of Scottish identity. Note, however, that this image wasn't made in 17th century Scotland, but in late 19th century America, a period when the so-called "Celtic Revival" spurred interest in Scottish culture. It was a time when ideas about Scottishness were being shaped and commodified through things like popular imagery, literature and tourism. This image also speaks to the history of advertising and how commercial interests have often drawn upon cultural symbols to market their products. Images like this one circulated within a specific economic system, helping to construct and reinforce cultural identities while simultaneously promoting the consumption of commodities like cigarettes. By considering the social, cultural, and economic contexts in which this card was created, we can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which images shape our perceptions of history and identity.