Shrunk to their proper size at last – an edifying sight in the United States Senate (1895)

"Shrunk to their proper size at last – an edifying sight in the United States Senate" is a striking and humorous political cartoon by Udo Keppler, dated 1895. This art piece serves as a satirical commentary on the perceived inadequacies and diminishing influence of the U.S. Senate members of that era.The painting is vibrant and bustling with activity. It cleverly depicts actual Senators of the period, but with a twist—they are hilariously miniature in size, almost like children, scattered throughout a grand and disproportionately large Senate chamber. Each Senator is captured with exaggerated facial expressions and distinctive features, contributing to the overall comedic effect.At the forefront of the image, a Senator with a long, flowing beard stretches across desks in an exaggerated pose, drawing immediate attention. Meanwhile, the Senate president or perhaps another high-ranking official towers over all, wielding a gavel, symbolizing authority and perhaps a moral high ground over these "diminished" figures.Keppler, known for his sharp wit and critical eye, uses this caricature to underscore his critique of the Senate's effectiveness and integrity, suggesting that the Senators, when stripped of pretensions and reduced in the eyes of the public, are finally "shrunk to their proper size.