A foolish request (1899)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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"A Foolish Request" (1899) by Udo Keppler offers a satirical glance at social dynamics of the time, with a clear focus on the peculiarities of marriage and divorce among the affluent. Portrayed in vibrant color, the painting captures an elegantly dressed woman standing beside a monumental 'Society's Divorce Record'. As she nonchalantly paints a new entry on the stone, registering what seems to be her own marriage and divorce, she embodies the reckless, transient relationships of high society.To her right, an elderly man, possibly a butler or solicitor, observes her actions with a mix of dismay and resignation. His expression and posture suggest a begrudging acceptance of what he perceives as frivolous or misguided behavior. The entries on the marble slab—words like "Divorced... Yesterday" and "Married... To-day" across the same names—underline a carousel of romantic engagements treated with the same attendance as one might show to dinner invitations.This clever illustration not only captures a moment of humor but also delivers a biting commentary on how marriage was perceived and misused as a social tool rather than a personal commitment.
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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.