Our merchant marine, the Rip Van Winkle of the sea (1911)

The painting *Our Merchant Marine, the Rip Van Winkle of the Sea* by Udo Keppler, created in 1911, offers a thoughtful visual metaphor for the state of the American shipping industry at the beginning of the 20th century. At first glance, the painting portrays a figure reminiscent of Rip Van Winkle, a character from American folklore famous for sleeping for twenty years and waking to a world that had moved on without him.The figure is depicted as slumbering heavily amidst decay and neglect, nestled within what appears to be a dilapidated shipyard. His body and clothing merge symbolically with the landscape, suggesting that he is an integral, though inactive, part of this maritime world. His appearance is ragged and overgrown, signifying long neglect, while his peaceful slumber contrasts sharply with the backdrop of advanced, active shipbuilding and bustling maritime activity.The painting is vibrant with details that criticize this stagnancy. Amidst the figure's repose lay broken anchor chains, rusted gears, and discarded ropes, which all contrast with the modern vessels in the distance, representing the progress from which this figure – symbolizing the American merchant marine – has been left out. The flag beside him, frayed and nearly disintegrating, unsuccessfully attempts to rouse a sense of national pride and urgency.The inclusion of a sign reading “Prohibitive Cost of Construction” hints at the economic and regulatory barriers that prevented renewal and advancement within the industry. In the distance, we see thriving maritime activities, perhaps in other nations, highlighting the opportunities missed by clinging to outdated methods and technologies.