The game of life (1904)

Udo Keppler’s illustration "The Game of Life," created in 1904, portrays a scene rich in symbolism and commentary on societal roles and influences during the era. The painting features a well-dressed man, possibly a politician or a businessman, juggling the Earth itself. His demeanor is jovial and confident, suggesting his control over the globe and, metaphorically, the political or business landscapes of the time.In the background, we see the U.S. Capitol Building, subtly placing the illustration in a specific political context that suggests the character could be involved in American governance or influenced by it. The foreground is cluttered with various sports equipment, including a tennis racket, cricket gear, and baseball items, while a broken tea set lies discarded to one side. These elements might be interpreted as the hobbies and pastimes of the elite, cast aside in pursuit of more grandiose and potentially reckless ambitions like manipulating geopolitical affairs.The globe’s prominent and central position, being juggled effortlessly, might imply a critique of the ease with which leaders and influential figures play with global fate. Keppler’s work is particularly poignant given its era, capturing the early 20th-century American spirit where industrial and political power was burgeoning, often without regard for consequences.