He is learning better (1899)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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This intriguing painting by Udo Keppler, titled "He is Learning Better," dates back to 1899 and dives into the realm of political satire, a common theme for Keppler. The artwork features several characters including an elderly woman, a young boy, and a distinctly featured parrot, each adding symbolic layers to the composition.Framed within a homely setting, the elderly woman, dressed in period attire, appears shocked or disoriented, contributing to the scene's dramatic flair. Her expression suggests a reaction to the words spoken by the colorful parrot perched beside her, exclaiming, "POLLY WANTS PROTECTION!" This phrase is a play on the familiar "Polly wants a cracker," here twisted to comment on political matters of the day, likely pertaining to protective tariffs or similar policies.The young boy, possibly a caricature of a political figure given the illustration's satirical nature, grins slyly holding a ribbon labeled "SOUND MONEY," juxtaposing traditional economic policies against populist or progressive changes suggested by the parrot. The setting is further nuanced by scattered newspapers and a knitting basket, which subtly injects domestic undertones, grounding the political commentary in everyday life.
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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.