Georgia, from Flags of the States and Territories (N11) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

This small chromolithograph card from Allen & Ginter Cigarettes presents Georgia's state flag, emblazoned with pillars representing "Wisdom, Justice, Moderation". This trinity of virtues is not unique; we see echoes of it in classical ideals, like Plato's cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, temperance, and courage. These pillars, rooted in classical architecture, reappear throughout history. They are a visual metaphor for societal strength and moral uprightness, a concept extending back to ancient Greece and Rome. Observe the figure standing between them, evoking a sense of civic duty. The symbol of pillars has been passed down through ages, each time accruing new layers of meaning, yet always returning to the underlying idea of stability. Such symbols tap into our collective memory, resonating on a subconscious level, reminding us of the timeless human aspiration for an ideal society. The symbols' cyclical progression is a testament to our enduring quest for these virtues, constantly re-emerging throughout history in shifting contexts.