Bandbox c. 1937

Alfonso Umana's bandbox design presents us with a pastoral scene, dominated by the motifs of travel and shepherding, rendered in flat, simplified forms. The rider on horseback, crossing a bridge, echoes ancient symbols of dominion and journey, while the shepherd with his staff evokes biblical imagery of guidance and care. These pastoral symbols have a rich, albeit fluctuating, history across cultures. The shepherd, originally a figure of humble virtue, can be traced back to the Good Shepherd in Christian art, evolving from the Greek Hermes the Shepherd. This archetypal figure resonates in our collective memory, representing protection, leadership, and the nurturing aspect of humanity. Yet, the rider, too, bears the weight of cultural memory, reminiscent of triumphal entries and the assertion of power. The tension between these symbols engages viewers on a subconscious level, reminding us of the cyclical progression of power and care. The rider crossing the bridge, in this context, suggests the cyclical nature of human experience, as figures of authority come and go, leaving behind the timeless, enduring role of the shepherd.