Sepoy, Algeria, 1853, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This is "Sepoy, Algeria, 1853," a promotional card made by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in the late 19th century. These cards, included in packs of Sweet Caporal Cigarettes, were designed to appeal to a broad consumer base through images of exotic locales and military figures. The card depicts a sepoy, or soldier, in what is identified as 1850s Algeria. But Algeria was under French colonial rule at this time. So this image speaks to the complex power dynamics of colonialism, where military service was often a means for indigenous populations to navigate and negotiate with colonial powers. The bright colors and idealized portrayal serve to create an appealing image for consumers, while also subtly reinforcing the colonial gaze. To understand the cultural and social context of this image, we can consult historical records, military archives, and studies of French colonialism in Algeria. This will reveal the complex relationship between commerce, representation, and imperial power.