Governor Oglesby, Illinois, from "Governors, Arms, Etc." series (N133-2), issued by Duke Sons & Co. 1885 - 1892

This vibrant chromolithograph, printed by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around the turn of the century, presents us with a tripartite composition, typical of trade cards from that era. Note how the State's emblem is juxtaposed alongside a portrait of Governor Oglesby, and a Chicago grain elevator under the flag of the Chicago Yacht Club. This arrangement creates a visual interplay between symbols of governance, individual representation, and industrial progress. The color palette, dominated by warm hues and punctuated by stark reds and blues, draws our eye across these disparate elements. The structure of this print reveals much about the values and aspirations of its time. It cleverly conflates notions of statehood, leadership, and commercial enterprise. The composition invites us to question the relationship between these spheres, reflecting the burgeoning capitalist ethos. The image remains an open text, inviting us to consider the complex interplay of power, representation, and commerce in American society.