The ark of the Dingley covenant (1906)

"The Ark of the Dingley Covenant," created by Udo Keppler in 1906, is a vibrant and dynamic political cartoon that offers a critique on the Dingley Act of 1897, a key piece of tariff legislation in the United States. This artwork captures an array of characters, depicted in the style of a historical or biblical procession, fervently carrying an ark—labeled "Dingley Tariff"—aloft. This ark represents the protective yet burdensome nature of high tariffs.The central figures in the procession are garbed in traditional attire, reminiscent of religious or historical leaders, implying the almost sacred reverence they have for this act of protectionism. Their faces are marked by expressions of strain and seriousness, underscoring the weight of their cargo.Around them, the scene is chaotic and crowded; other characters labeled "Trust" and "Monopoly" clutch at their robes, symbolizing the close ties between corporate power and government legislation. The atmosphere is swirling with motion and emotion, highlighting the tumultuous impact such policies had on society and economy.Through Keppler's use of vivid color and dynamic composition, the painting not only informs its viewers about the historical context of the Dingley Tariff but also provides commentary on the broader implications of economic policies and their bedfellows.