Trumpeter of Guides, France, 1853, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph, "Trumpeter of Guides, France, 1853," was created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. It is dominated by the figure of a trumpeter, standing rigidly, almost symmetrically, against a pale backdrop. His uniform, defined by vivid reds and greens, is striking against the muted tones of the ground. The image, with its flattened perspective, highlights the interplay between surface and depth. The meticulous detailing of the uniform, juxtaposed with the figure's static pose, creates a visual tension. Semiotically, the uniform and trumpet are not just representations but signs of military authority and order. The chromolithograph, initially a promotional tool, complicates its meaning. It raises questions about the relationship between art, commerce, and national identity. It reminds us that art's value is not inherent but culturally produced and is continuously open to re-evaluation.