General, Bulgaria, 1885, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

Editor: So, here we have a drawing entitled "General, Bulgaria, 1885" made in 1888 by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, it's a print from the Military Series. My first thought is just how rigidly formal the figure is, from the stiff posture to the ornate uniform. How do you interpret this work? Curator: I see layers of cultural coding at play here, certainly beyond mere military portraiture. Notice the specificities of his uniform - the cut of the hat, the style of beard - they all serve as potent symbols linking him to ideas of power, authority, and perhaps even a touch of Orientalism popular at the time. Editor: Orientalism in Bulgaria? I thought that was more associated with the Middle East. Curator: Indeed, but remember that the Balkans were, at this time, frequently viewed through a similar lens by Western European powers. Think about how details in this image –the set of his jaw, even the somewhat stylized rendering of his features –might have contributed to a specific, constructed image of Bulgarian leadership. What kind of story do you think this image was meant to tell? Editor: Perhaps a story of a strong, yet 'exotic' leader, made palatable for a Western audience... interesting, especially given it was used to advertise cigarettes! It really shows how images can carry more meaning than you'd initially think. Curator: Precisely! These small, mass-produced images were powerful tools shaping perceptions and solidifying cultural narratives. Even the medium - a trade card - speaks volumes about the image's intended reach and impact. Editor: I never considered how even promotional images like this could function as cultural artifacts. It's fascinating to see the layers of symbolism embedded within something seemingly so simple.