A puzzled kaiser (1895)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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Udo Keppler's 1895 caricature "A Puzzled Kaiser" provocatively captures the persona of a perplexed emperor, adorned in traditional regalia. The Kaiser, swathed in a luxurious cloak and clutching both a scepter and an orb, stands amidst a regal setting hinted at by elements like a grand column and an ancestral portrait in the background, evoking the weight of lineage and heritage. The detail in the emperor's expression—meandering between bewilderment and contemplation—suggests a moment of uncertainty or indecision.The caricature is rich in symbolism; for instance, the words "Rejected" and "Anti-Revolution Bill" scribbled at the bottom hint at political themes, suggesting the emperor's puzzlement might be linked to recent legislative challenges or public discontent. Keppler, known for his political satire, uses this artwork to critique the leadership and the times, making a bold statement on the sociopolitical climate of the era.
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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.