Its good is doubtful – its harm is certain (1899)

The painting "Its good is doubtful – its harm is certain" by Udo Keppler, created in 1899, provides a vivid and satirical depiction of the socio-economic climate of the United States near the turn of the 20th century. This artwork specifically critiques the Dingley Tariff, an important piece of legislation that significantly increased import duties and affected international trade relationships.In this dynamic illustration, we see a classical depiction of a chariot, suggesting a reference to tradition and ancient times, but the scene itself is far from heroic. The chariot, labeled with the words "agriculture" and "manufacture," hints at the two critical sectors supposed to benefit from protective tariffs. The riders in the chariot are businessmen dressed in the attire of the period, exuding an air of complacency and self-satisfaction, possibly representing the industries that favored the tariffs for their protective benefits.Leading the chariot is a figure dressed as a classical warrior, possibly personifying "Prosperity," but her strained expression and the chaotic control of the reins tell a story of struggle and imbalance. Importantly, at the forefront, a figure embodies the suffering American consumer. This character, given a crown labeled "consumer," is not riding triumphantly but is instead entangled and seemingly crushed under the wheels of the tariff policies, illustrating the burden these policies placed on consumers through higher prices.Keppler's use of vibrant colors and expressive characters turns what could be a dry economic subject into a compelling narrative, highlighting the contentious debate around tariff laws and their impact on different layers of society.