The sale of Manhattan (price not mentioned) – a continuous performance (1909)

Udo Keppler's vibrant and satirical painting, *The sale of Manhattan (price not mentioned) – a continuous performance*, created in 1909, serves as a poignant critique of political and corporate greed. At first glance, the painting immerses the viewer into what seems like a lively and humorous negotiation scene, yet beneath this lies a sharp critique of exploitation and corruption.The artwork depicts a room filled with men, most in modern early 20th-century business attire, gathered around a central figure dressed in what appears to be a caricature of Native American attire, complete with a feathered headdress. This central figure, exuding an air of authority and amusement, is handing out scrolls to the surrounding men, who represent businessmen and politicians based on their dress and demeanor. These scrolls are labeled with words such as "City of N.Y.", "Park Grant", "Lights", "Privilege", "Traction Franchise", "Gas", "Telephone", "Electricity", implying that these represent various public utilities and privileges being distributed or sold off.The painting cleverly uses symbolism and caricature to comment on the ongoing exploitation of resources and rights, likening it to the historical sale of Manhattan – an event historically marked by exploitation through unfair dealings with Native Americans. Keppler goes further to suggest that such dealings are continuous, affecting various aspects of urban life and governance.The background of the painting features a portrait of Peter Stuyvesant, the last Dutch Director-General of the colony of New Netherland, hinting at the historical depth of the city's contentious transactions involving land and power.