The old story (1897)

Udo Keppler's 1897 painting, *The Old Story*, leverages a vibrant and satirical style to present a thought-provoking political commentary, a common theme in Keppler's work. Depicted in this painting is an elderly man, comfortably lounging in a rocking chair with a satisfied smile, holding a money bag and a hammer—symbols possibly representing control and construction or destruction. His outfit and demeaner suggest a laid-back, yet scheming character, possibly a representation of corporate or governmental power.In contrast, the other character in the painting—a young child with an earnest expression, standing and holding a pair of crutches—portrays vulnerability and appeals for attention or change. This child, clad in minimal clothing, could represent the common people or those oppressed by the system that benefits the man in the rocking chair.The backdrop shows a dilapidated building with a roof breaking apart under the weight of bricks spelling out "BAD CURRENCY SYSTEM," signifying the crumbling infrastructure or foundational issues underpinning society's economic or political systems.Through *The Old Story*, Keppler delivers a powerful critique of societal and economic disparities, using visual allegory to explore themes of corruption, greed, inequity, and the innocence burdened by such a system.