James E. Campbell of Ohio, from the Presidential Possibilities series (N124) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1888

Editor: Here we have "James E. Campbell of Ohio, from the Presidential Possibilities series," created around 1888 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. This small drawing, actually a print, is striking— the composition seems quite direct. What do you find most interesting about it? Curator: I'm intrigued by how this image functions within its historical moment. It’s not just a portrait, but a piece of political marketing distributed by a tobacco company. It’s fascinating to see how commerce and political ambitions intertwined through imagery during this period. The “Presidential Possibilities” series tells us so much about late 19th-century American culture. Does this make you consider the social function of art differently? Editor: Absolutely! The commercial context shifts my understanding quite a bit. I hadn’t really considered the power dynamics at play with imagery like this. Did these sorts of images really have an impact on political perceptions at the time? Curator: It's difficult to measure direct impact, but the pervasiveness of these cards undoubtedly contributed to shaping public image and familiarity. It's crucial to remember the historical context: accessible visual media was much scarcer than today, granting these cards disproportionate influence. Think about the public role of images, and what shapes public opinion in contemporary times. What’s changed, and what remains the same? Editor: I guess, in a way, this is a very early form of targeted advertising? Curator: Precisely. This portrait participates in creating and distributing political "brands" long before the age of mass media as we know it. Editor: This has totally reshaped my understanding of this little card! It's not just a portrait; it’s a fascinating glimpse into political image-making. Curator: Exactly, viewing it as a social and political artifact adds considerable depth.