The riddle of the Sphinx (1900)

Udo Keppler, an artist renowned for his powerful political cartoons, presents a riveting illustration in 'The Riddle of the Sphinx.' This artwork, rich in allegory and political undertones, immediately captivates the viewer with its distinctive merging of historical and contemporary themes.At the forefront, the painting depicts a colossal sphinx with the distinct facial features of President Grover Cleveland, underlining the artist’s knack for embedding political critique within his work. The sphinx, traditionally a symbol of enigmatic wisdom and guardianship, here seems to serve as a metaphor for the monumental challenges and enigmatic policies during Cleveland's presidency.Below the imposing figure of the sphinx, a lone man, identifiable as William Jennings Bryan due to the contextual clues from the era Keppler worked in, is depicted in a pleading posture. This represents Bryan's political challenges, portraying his efforts to appeal or solve the 'riddles' of his political opponent’s policies, which during that time would have resonated with the contemporary audience's understanding of the fierce electoral battles and ideological divides.The scene is wonderfully rendered with a soft yet vibrant color palette which subtly shifts focus from the intense interaction of the figures to the expansive background suggesting a setting sun - perhaps a metaphor for the closing of an age or the end of a political era.‘The Riddle of the Sphinx’ by Udo Keppler not only reflects the political climate of its time but also invites viewers to ponder the eternal riddles of power, governance, and policy.