A Short History: Admiral David D. Porter, from the Histories of Generals series (N114) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Smoking and Chewing Tobacco 1888

This late 19th-century lithograph by W. Duke, Sons & Co. depicts Admiral David D. Porter within a decorative frame, complete with naval scenes and symbolic embellishments. The laurel leaves encircling Porter’s portrait traditionally signify victory and honor, echoing back to ancient Roman triumphs. Note the cannon, a symbol of power and defense, juxtaposed with the image of a sailor, suggesting readiness and vigilance. Such imagery serves not only to commemorate Porter’s achievements but also to evoke feelings of national pride and security. The repetitive, decorative border found on the lithograph can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman art. These patterns can be interpreted through a psychoanalytic lens as the human desire for structure in order to control underlying chaos. This is because it evokes a primal, emotional response, bridging past and present through its enduring visual language. Thus, the lithograph operates on multiple levels, engaging viewers both rationally and emotionally.