Artillery, Sweden, 1886, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This is an advertising card for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes, made in 1886 by the Kinney Tobacco Company. The image depicts a Swedish artillery officer, resplendent in his formal military attire, complete with a feathered helmet and saber. Note the prominent display of the saber, a symbol dating back to ancient times. The saber here isn't merely a weapon; it's a potent signifier of power, authority, and readiness for battle. The sword is not new. We see it in ancient Roman sculptures or medieval tapestries. Here, it’s meticulously rendered, reflecting the officer's martial prowess, and the nation's military strength. The uniform itself is carefully crafted and may allude to the subconscious human attraction to symbols of strength, order, and disciplined might. The image is more than a simple advertisement; it is an echo of human history. It resonates deeply within us, evoking feelings of pride, security, and perhaps even a touch of awe. The collective memory of martial glory transcends time, subtly influencing our perceptions and desires. It is a symbol re-emerging in a new commercial context.