What a newspaper puff can do (1896)

Samuel Ehrhart's 1896 illustration titled "What a Newspaper Puff Can Do" offers a lively and satirical look at the power of media hype in transforming the social status of individuals. The artwork, vibrant and detailed, is divided into multiple vignettes that together tell a compelling visual story.In this colorful piece, Ehrhart explores the journey of the Snialtap family, beginning from their modest, middle-class dining room setting to the grandeur of high society, all propelled by the influence of a newspaper feature. The first vignette introduces us to the Snialtap family at dinner, emphasizing their unassuming middle-class status. Rapidly, the scene shifts as the newspaper article gains attention; the subsequent images depict the transformation in lifestyle and perception of the family.Progressively, the Snialtaps are shown receiving the adulation of the public, engaging with nobility, and immersing in a more luxurious environment. The illustrative style is humorous and exaggerated, focusing heavily on the reactions of characters and the opulent decorations that symbolize their newfound prestige.Key features such as the family being interviewed by eager reporters and the visible accumulation of invitations and letters on the writer's desk depict the overwhelming yet superficial nature of fame through media. Towards the later scenes, the family is pictured in various high society settings, attending upscale events, which visually contrasts their humble beginnings.Ehrhart, through keen observation and a touch of humor, effectively comments on the societal impact of media attention and the sometimes absurd nature of fame.