Where they belong! (1894)

"Where They Belong!" is a striking 1894 illustration by American cartoonist Udo Keppler, vividly capturing a moment of political satire that resonates with the period’s skepticism towards corporate influence in politics. In this powerful artwork, Keppler depicts a group of men, cramped and uncomfortable, locked within a massive birdcage. Suspended from the Democratic National Headquarters, the cage serves as a visual symbol of public censure.The men within the cage are characterized by their dismayed and resigned expressions, emblematic of captives. Their identities as Gorman, Brice, Smith, and others, tagged to the bottom of the cage, hint at specific political figures of the era, known for their alleged subservience to corporate monopolies. The sign attached to the cage accuses these men of being "traitors to Democratic principles and servants of Trust and Monopoly," a scathing critique reflecting popular discontent with perceived corporate encroachments on democratic values.The setting outside the Democratic National Headquarters further emphasizes the political implications, suggesting an internal critique within the party and the broader political landscape of the time. Keppler’s use of stark lines and soft watercolor backgrounds not only highlights the central theme but also adds a layer of depth to the image, making the scene both a piece of art and a historical commentary.