The honest bartender’s bracer (1909)

** Welcome to our exploration of the vivid and thought-provoking painting titled "The Honest Bartender's Bracer," created by Udo Keppler in 1909. This intriguing artwork offers a captivating glimpse into political commentary through the lens of individual characters and symbolism.In this piece, Keppler portrays two distinct figures. On the left side of the painting, we see a robust bartender with a brazen expression, donned in a chef’s jacket sporting stripes that resemble the American flag. His confident posture and the directness with which he points to a bottle labeled "High Protection" strongly suggest his role as a purveyor or supporter of protective policies, possibly relating to tariffs which were a hot topic during Keppler's time.On the right side is a highly expressive character, seemingly a personification of America itself or perhaps the average American citizen, characterized by his star-spangled suit and striped pants directly mirroring the flag. This figure has an undeniable air of distress or intoxication, leaning heavily against the bar with one hand, while the other hand appears feeble and possibly restrained by the policies or drinks the bartender advocates.The setting of the painting, a traditional bar, houses elements such as a towel marked with "Repeal," which adds another layer of political meaning pointing towards the desire to repeal certain legislative acts. The traditional bar accessories further enrich the setting, emphasizing the bartender's domain and influence.Keppler's work is renowned for its satirical edge, often delving into the issues of government policy and public opinion through allegorical and hyperbolic illustrations.