He has come to stay! (1896)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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Udo Keppler's 1896 painting entitled "He has come to stay!" makes a vibrant and satirical statement. Depicted in the setting of "Hotel Egypt," the illustration captures a jovial, slightly rotund man lounging comfortably with his feet propped up, surrounded by luggage and boxes that denote various geopolitical themes of the era. Suitcases labeled "J. Bull," "War Supplies," and a bag tagged "Cuba," alongside others, symbolically connect this character to England and hint at other nations' interests, suggesting a commentary on imperialism and international politics.The man, relaxed and smoking a cigar, seems oblivious to the concern and astonishment of the two other gentlemen depicted in the scene. These figures, labeled "France" and "Russia," represent their respective countries, and their attire—as well as their expressions—suggest dismay or confusion about the occupying man's audacity and assumed permanence.Through vivid colors, expressive faces, and symbolic elements, Keppler uses this piece to critique foreign powers' attitudes towards geopolitical spaces like Egypt at the turn of the 20th century, revealing the competition and sometimes blatant disregard for local sovereignty reflected through European colonial ambitions.
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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.