Sharp-shooter, Germany, 1886, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph from 1886, created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, presents a German sharp-shooter in full military dress. The overall impression is one of meticulous detail and striking symmetry. Consider how the composition is carefully structured to emphasize the soldier’s upright stance and the regimented nature of military life. The artist uses a limited but vibrant color palette. The red trim against the olive-green jacket catches the eye and creates a visual rhythm that moves from the cuffs to the collar and epaulettes, underscoring the structured and codified nature of military attire. The rigid posture, the clean lines of his uniform, and the precision of the printing technique collectively project an image of discipline. The print invites us to examine the cultural codes embedded in military representation and consider how visual elements contribute to conveying notions of power. Art, here, in its most commercial form, uses visual language to project authority and order.