Rafael Nunez, President of U.S. Columbia, from the Rulers, Flags, and Coats of Arms series (N126-1) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. 1888

This printed card, produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co., features Rafael Nunez, President of the U.S. of Columbia. The symbol of the cornucopia, or 'horn of plenty,' appears prominently in the coat of arms. This is a motif traceable back to ancient Greece and Rome. In classical antiquity, the cornucopia, overflowing with fruits and grains, symbolized abundance and prosperity. We can observe this symbol's evolution through time, transitioning from representations of earthly bounty to emblems of national wealth and well-being. The very act of portraying it alongside a political leader suggests an attempt to associate Nunez with these deeply rooted ideas of prosperity and divine favor. Consider how the collective memory of such symbols, laden with centuries of cultural significance, can subconsciously influence perceptions and imbue the depicted figure with a sense of authority. The cornucopia becomes more than just a decorative element; it’s a powerful psychological tool that resonates with primal desires for security and plenty, resurfacing in modern contexts to subtly shape our understanding of power and leadership.