They know the kind of decoys to use (1909)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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In the provocative and colorful work "They Know the Kind of Decoys to Use" (1909) by Udo Keppler, we are drawn into a vivid scene rich with metaphor and critique rooted in political commentary. The painting portrays two bulky figures, likely representing businessmen or politicians, crouched in a marshy landscape. Their outfits bear patches that read "Poll Boss" and "Public Service Corporation," suggesting their influential roles in society and possible manipulation of public opinion or policy.The men are depicted in the act of hunting, but instead of game, they are aiming their rifles at a cloud of votes emerging from the dense reeds. Interestingly, their decoys, labeled "Respectable Candidates," are bottles positioned strategically in the water. This clever visual satire highlights the use of appealing, yet potentially deceptive, candidates as lures in the political landscape.Keppler’s choice of imagery here is a biting critique of the electoral process and corporate influence, suggesting that the true targets—represented by the votes—are often manipulated by those in power through appealing but deceptive means.
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Udo J. Keppler, since 1894. known as Joseph Keppler, Jr., was an American political cartoonist, publisher, and Native American advocate. The son of cartoonist Joseph Keppler (1838–1894), who founded Puck magazine, the younger Keppler also contributed to cartoons, and after his father's death became co-owner of the magazine under the name Joseph Keppler. He was also a collector of Native American artifacts.