A house of cards (1904)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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"A House of Cards" is a striking and humorous piece by Udo Keppler that engages with themes of political delicacy and the precarious balance of international relations at the turn of the 20th century. In this vivid portrayal, a large bear adorned with a crown marked "Russia" curiously inspects a fragile structure made from playing cards. Each card is meticulously illustrated with the names of different countries, suggesting a symbolic representation of global alliances and political powers, including England, France, Germany, Japan, Austria, China, Italy, and Turkey.The bear's immense size and seemingly cautious yet clumsy curiosity hint at the potential for disruptive influence and the consequences of carelessness. A dove labeled "Peace," alighted atop the card structure, adds an element of irony, highlighting the fragility of peace during this era. The piece allegorically communicates the notion that the geopolitical landscape of the time was as unstable as a house of cards, vulnerable to collapse from even the slightest disturbance.Keppler’s choice of vibrant colors and expressive characters not only captures the viewer's attention but also encapsulates the underlying tensions of an era marked by complex alliances and rivalries.
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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.