Lights and shadows (1909)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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"Lights and Shadows" by Udo Keppler, painted in 1909, is an evocative piece that juxtaposes the idyllic with the industrial, exploring themes of privilege, power, and environmental impact. In this striking scene, a portly gentleman, clad in a suit and bowler hat, lounge comfortably atop a curved architectural structure that blends seamlessly from pristine, classical columns to the gritty, smoky stacks of industrial factories. This relaxed figure, puffing on a cigar, appears indifferent to the stark contrasts below him.The left side of the painting is bathed in the warm, radiant light of a setting sun, showcasing a tranquil landscape with elegant monuments and lush gardens. In stark contrast, the right side reveals a darker, brooding skyline dominated by the harsh lines and smoke of industrialization, where the sun struggles to pierce the pollution.Above the scene, clouds whimsically morph into elaborate castles in the air, possibly representing the man's dreams or illusions, disconnected from the reality of the environmental degradation his lifestyle supports. The artwork cleverly uses the concept of "Lights and Shadows" not only in its visual treatment of light but also in its thematic exploration of the social and ecological dichotomies of the early 20th century.
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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.