Our national dime museum (1898)

"Our National Dime Museum" is a vivid and satirical painting created by Udo Keppler in 1898. This artwork takes a humorous yet critical look at political and social issues of the time, using a visual format reminiscent of a dime museum display, which was popular in the late 19th century for showcasing oddities and peculiar attractions.The painting features two main characters who are depicted as caricatures. On the left, a corpulent man dressed in a lavish uniform is shown sitting comfortably in an oversized chair, embodying the excesses of government spending and bureaucracy. He represents the inflated nature of government pensions after the Civil War, as indicated by the statistical data humorously displayed around him which notes the bloated number of pensioners and the enormous budget designated for them over the years.Opposite him stands a gaunt figure labeled "The Living Skeleton," who appears neglected and distressed, symbolizing those who have been financially "starved" by the government's mismanagement and excessive spending in other areas. This figure stands beside a mirror reflecting his own somber image and commentary about his condition caused by government negligence despite the large sums mentioned.Accompanying these characters is a curtain in the background, suggesting that this scene is a staged spectacle, and a sign on the floor provides satirical commentary about the astronomical "cost to raise him," hinting at political corruption or misallocation of resources.Udo Keppler's work cleverly employs irony and exaggeration to critique the political climate of his era, drawing audiences into a reflection on the disparities and injustices wrought by governmental policies.