The old story (1900)

Artist: Udo KepplerIn Udo Keppler's captivating illustration titled "The old story," we are drawn into a scene that fuses elements of satire with poignant social commentaries relevant to the period. The artwork presents a richly detailed visual, featuring two chimpanzees, dressed in human attire, each embodying powerful political or social entities. The scene captures a moment steeped in allegory, executed with a keen eye for detail and a sharp satirical edge.On the right, a chimpanzee adorned in a military-style coat labeled "passionaria" stoops over a map, holding a piece of paper while a burning city is visible in the background, suggesting the dire consequences of aggressive political or military maneuvers. The term "passionaria" might imply a reference to impassioned, possibly reckless, leadership tactics that disregard the safety or well-being of a populace.Dominating the left side of the piece, another chimpanzee sports a hat with "Europa," indicating a portrayal of European powers, perhaps critiquing their role in global or local unrest. The monkey focused on the mayhem unfolding through a pair of opera glasses, symbolize a disconnected or voyeuristic approach to conflict—an observation rather than active participation.Keppler’s use of animals in human roles is a typical method in satirical art, suggesting a beastly undercurrent to human political actions and behaviors. By selecting chimpanzees, known for their similarities to humans, Keppler emphasizes the primal nature of political strife, suggesting that beneath the veneer of civilization and diplomacy lie more base, animalistic impulses.