Pomeranian Palace Guard, Germany, 1886, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This small chromolithograph of a Pomeranian Palace Guard was produced in Germany, in 1886, by the Kinney Tobacco Company. Chromolithography was an innovative printing technique that used multiple lithographic stones, each applying a different color to create a vibrant, detailed image. The mass production of these cards was directly linked to the rise of consumer culture and industrial capitalism. Labor was divided, with artists creating the original designs and skilled technicians operating the printing presses. The inherent qualities of the card—its small size, glossy finish, and bright colors—were all designed to catch the eye of consumers. The card’s purpose was to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. It reflects a marketing strategy that aimed to associate the product with images of prestige, tradition, and military might, enticing smokers with a collectible item that offered an aspirational glimpse into a world of power and authority. The image provides a window into understanding the social and economic context of the late 19th century, when the lines between art, advertising, and everyday life were becoming increasingly blurred.