The self-made pope (1902)

"The Self-Made Pope" is a striking political cartoon by Udo Keppler, dating back to 1902. The artwork, infused with vibrant colors and bold caricatures, offers a satirical glimpse into the politics of the era. Depicted in the center is a stern and assertive figure adorned in papal regalia, with an ornate tiara and ceremonial garments, seated on a throne marked "Kansas City Platform."Flanking him are two armed guards, labeled ‘Jones’ and ‘Stone’, whose serious expressions and armor suggest a protective and perhaps enforcing role. The intense visage of the central figure coupled with his authoritative pose, one hand raised as if in decree or admonishment, conveys a sense of self-assured power and control.This painting is a vivid portrayal of political power dynamics, capturing the essence of an individual who, adorned with symbols of religious authority, appears to command or dictate with an almost monarchical or religious authority over his domain, highlighted by the strategic placement upon the ‘Kansas City Platform’ — a probable nod to contemporary political issues or stances associated with Kansas City at the time.Udo Keppler, known for his incisive political commentary through art, here utilizes visual elements and textual cues to evoke reflection and dialogue about political leadership and influence, using religious imagery to underscore his critique on the merging of power and ideology in the political sphere.