Saint bovine (1905)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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"Saint Bovine" (1905) is a captivating and satirical artwork by Udo Keppler that plays with themes of sanctity and idolatry in an unexpected and humorous manner. This painting portrays a cow, anthropomorphized and dressed in traditional saint-like robes, seated on an altar with a halo around its head. The cow’s expression is cheerfully mischievous, suggesting a playful approach to the usually solemn subject of religious iconography.Below the cow, a gentleman dressed in early 20th-century attire and holding a sketch pad seems engrossed in his effort to capture the scene. His presence introduces a sense of reality and contrast, highlighting the absurdity of the central figure. The setting, framed by an arched stone structure, with hints of a landscaped background, further accentuates the mix of the mundane with the bizarre.Keppler, known for his political cartoons and poignant illustrations, uses vivid colors and dynamic compositions to evoke both visual appeal and intellectual stimulation. "Saint Bovine" may be seen as a commentary on the veneration of unlikely icons or perhaps a critique of societal norms.
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Udo J. Keppler, since 1894. known as Joseph Keppler, Jr., was an American political cartoonist, publisher, and Native American advocate. The son of cartoonist Joseph Keppler (1838–1894), who founded Puck magazine, the younger Keppler also contributed to cartoons, and after his father's death became co-owner of the magazine under the name Joseph Keppler. He was also a collector of Native American artifacts.