The American Fagin (1907)

Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork

"The American Fagin," a compelling 1907 artwork by Udo Keppler, presents a vivid narrative steeped in social commentary. In this evocative scene, the artist portrays a young boy as he picks the pocket of a gentleman, under the watchful guidance of an older, menacing figure.The setting is an urban street, backdrop of an industrial America where the clash of the masses and the classes is palpable. The young pickpocket, possibly driven by necessity or coercion, is caught in the act of stealing from a well-dressed man, who remains unaware, focused instead on a performance or show, illustrated by the presence of a brightly dressed character in the background, wearing a stars-and-stripes outfit. The older figure looming in the foreground symbolizes manipulation and control, reminiscent of the character Fagin from Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist," who infamously trained youths to pilfer for him.Keppler’s use of vibrant colors contrasts sharply with the grim, somber tone of the subject matter, highlighting the dichotomy between innocence and corruption. "The American Fagin" not only reflects on the socio-economic issues of the era but also pushes the observer to consider themes of exploitation and moral decay in the underbelly of American society during the early 20th century.

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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.