The Wall Street rumor-monger (1903)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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Titled "The Wall Street Rumor-monger," this captivating 1903 painting by Udo Keppler presents a rich visual satire, critiquing the manipulative energy of rumor-mongering in financial industries. The caricature prominently features an elderly man, exaggerated in expression and form, who gleefully examines a diminutive figure that he holds in his hand. This tiny man, intriguingly labeled with tags such as "political gossip" and "market tips," is squeezed under a magnifying glass, symbolizing the scrutinized yet flimsy nature of rumors that often pervade Wall Street.Keppler’s use of vibrant colors and bold outlines emphasizes the dramatic and somewhat comical nature of the subject. The senior man's mischievous smile and keen focus on the miniature figure highlight his control and delight in spreading unsubstantiated news. The painting not only reflects on the specific economic context of the early 20th century but also resonates with the ongoing complexities of market speculation and the power of hearsay to influence reality.
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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.