It’s a shame the way they treat that cat! (1910)

In the vibrant and thought-provoking painting titled "It’s a shame the way they treat that cat!" by Udo Keppler, created in 1910, viewers are presented with a striking visual satire that speaks volumes about political sentiment during that era. The artwork features a ragged cat seated forlornly on the majestic steps of a grand building, signposted as “Out of Town for the Summer - Republican Congress.” This shabby feline, with its fur in disarray and an overall look of neglect, holds a fishbone, symbolizing perhaps the remnants or leftovers from the 'feast' of politics, emphasizing the abandonment and neglect by those at the helm of power.The backdrop of the empty, imposing building, along with the vast, open sky, accentuates the isolation and vulnerability of the small creature in the face of institutional neglect and oversight. The playful yet poignant title and the image of the destitute cat form a powerful allegory suggesting the mistreatment and neglect by political entities towards those who are dependent on their care and decisions.Keppler, renowned for his biting political cartoons, uses this poignant image to critique the irresponsibility and detachment of the political congress of his time, perhaps implying their inattention to pressing issues while they are away or on recess.