Cæsar up to date (1900)

In the striking artwork "Cæsar up to date" by Samuel Ehrhart, created in 1900, we see a vivid satirical depiction that resonates with early 20th-century socio-political sentiments. At the heart of this richly colorful lithograph are two dramatic figures embroiled in a struggle against an overwhelming sea of challenges depicted metaphorically.The figure on the left, traditional in Roman attire and bearing a desperate expression, is sinking amidst turbulent waters. His countenance, marked by a mixture of surprise and despair, along with his flailing arms, capture a moment of intense struggle against the unseen forces that drag him beneath. This portrayal strikingly contrasts with the figure on the right—a Roman soldier, who, despite the chaos, seems more in control, even defiant. He holds aloft a life preserver, ironically inscribed with "MONOPOLY"/"MACHINE POWER," suggesting a critique of growing corporate power and mechanization which, rather than offering genuine help, mocks the plight of those less empowered.Below the surface, the waters are littered with chunks of ice, labeled as the "ICE TRUST," further enriching the allegory of the painting to economic monopolies that, like icebergs, present only their tips visibly while their mass and danger lurk out of sight, ready to entrap those unwary of their full extent.Ehrhart's work cleverly uses historical and mythical elements to discuss contemporary issues of his time—monopoly power and the overwhelming impact of industrialization on individuals.