Why is Abraham Lincoln in mark ryden's painting the pumpkin president?

In Mark Ryden's painting "The Pumpkin President," Abraham Lincoln is portrayed as a symbolic figure representing both the ideals of American democracy and the complexities of leadership. The pumpkin serves as a whimsical yet poignant metaphor for the fragility of political power, while Lincoln's presence evokes themes of transformation and the challenges faced by a leader during turbulent times. The juxtaposition of Lincoln with surreal and playful elements invites viewers to reflect on the legacy of his presidency in a contemporary context.