L’Etat, c’est moi (1904)

"L’Etat, c’est moi" translated as "I am the state" is a compelling political cartoon by Udo Keppler, dated 1904. The artwork features a rotund figure, regally dressed, clutching a crown about to be set upon his head, capturing a moment of assertive self-anointment. This man stands amid a plethora of royal regalia, including robes lined with ermine fur, a scepter, and a heavily adorned cloak. The surrounding elements, like the wisps of smoke and discarded crowns on cushions, add a dramatic flair to the scene, suggesting the transient and discarded nature of power.Keppler, renowned for his poignant illustrations, uses vibrant colors and meticulous detail to underscore the thematic undertones of authority and ego. The imperial golds and majestic reds of the robes contrast sharply with the character’s somewhat self-satisfied and stern expression, which together emphasize the satirical message of the painting. The phrase "L’Etat, c’est moi" itself is a historical quote attributed to Louis XIV of France, symbolizing absolute monarchical control, which Keppler recontextualizes to critique contemporary figures and authority.This painting, rich with symbolism and irony, not only serves as a political commentary of its time but continues to resonate as a timeless reflection on the nature of power and governance.