Corporal of Bersaglieri, Italy, 1886, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

Editor: Here we have "Corporal of Bersaglieri, Italy, 1886," made in 1888 by the Kinney Tobacco Company. It’s a coloured-pencil print that originally promoted Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The feathered hat gives it such a distinctive feel; it's almost flamboyant despite depicting a soldier. What catches your eye when you look at this? Curator: The feathered hat, as you mentioned, is central. For me, it's not merely flamboyant; it's a powerful symbol. Feathers, across many cultures, denote bravery, ascension, and connection to the spiritual realm. What happens when you consider the hat in context? Editor: I hadn't thought about it so deeply, to be honest! In context... you mean the rest of his uniform? It feels quite formal. I'm noticing the meticulous detailing of the uniform contrasted with the slightly cartoonish quality of the face and posture. It's an interesting juxtaposition. Curator: Precisely! The formal uniform represents duty and order, while the somewhat comical rendering could suggest the individual humanity beneath the surface, perhaps even a subtle critique of military rigidity. Notice the zig-zagged embellishments too, that remind me of the stylised 'flames' we might expect to see in religious iconography. It presents a complex individual, yes? Editor: I see what you mean. I was focusing so much on the hat and the uniform's detail that I missed those deeper symbolic layers. This has made me consider promotional art in a whole new light. Curator: It’s fascinating how commercial art can inadvertently become a time capsule, carrying cultural DNA within its imagery, don't you think? Editor: I do. Looking at this artwork again, I find I’m even more intrigued. Thanks for the fresh eyes!