General Caceres, President of Peru, from the Rulers, Flags, and Coats of Arms series (N126-2) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. 1888

This is a commercial card from around 1900, issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co., part of their "Rulers, Flags, and Coats of Arms" series, featuring General Caceres, President of Peru. The Coat of Arms presents a visual compendium of Peruvian identity. Note the detailed iconography: a vicuña, cinchona tree, and cornucopia. The vicuña, a relative of the llama, evokes the untamed beauty and natural wealth of the Andes, while the cinchona tree—the source of quinine—symbolizes Peru's medicinal contributions to the world. The cornucopia, overflowing with coins, speaks to prosperity and abundance, its roots stretching back to ancient Greek and Roman art. This symbol has been used in varying contexts, sometimes religious, sometimes secular; its prominence in ancient art reflects a collective desire for provision and prosperity. Such symbols remind us that images are never isolated; they are living entities, constantly evolving and reshaping our understanding of the world.