No difference (1905)

Udo Keppler's 1905 painting "No Difference" serves as a critical commentary on the perceived moral distinctions between people of different social classes. In this vividly composed political cartoon, the scene is split into two halves, each depicting a group of people separated by a door. On the left, patrons pour out from the "Tenderloin Dive," a bar, led by an elegantly dressed and confident woman, alongside men in casual attire that suggests they are laborers or lower class. The scene overflows with dynamic expression, implying a lively, albeit potentially disreputable, social interaction.Contrastingly, the right side of the painting features an office labeled "Insurance Co.," where well-dressed men engage in a transaction that hints at corruption—the illusion of respectability is maintained by their attire and environment, but the money subtly exchanged reveals underlying dishonesty. This part of the painting is marked by stiff, formal expressions, suggesting a hidden layer of nefarious dealings despite the veneer of legitimacy.Keppler’s work highlights the hypocrisy of societal norms that deem certain behaviors acceptable for the wealthy while condemning similar actions in the poor. This powerful piece questions the ethical standards imposed by society, suggesting that despite outward appearances, the moral ground upon each side stands might not be as different as it appears.