The fight for the water-hole (1912)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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Udo Keppler's vivid painting, "The Fight for the Water-hole," created in 1912, captures a dramatic scene of conflict and struggle in a desert landscape. At the center of the artwork is a vital water-hole, a scarce resource in the arid environment, marked by the word "Presidency." Around it, Native American warriors on horseback are depicted in intense action, their expressions and poses conveying urgency and aggression.The painting uses dynamic composition and vibrant colors to emphasize the movement and chaos of the battle. Dust clouds kicked up by the horses’ hooves add a sense of immediacy and motion, while the distant mountains and expansive sky provide a stark contrast to the fierceness of the human figures. Keppler’s use of color enhances the drama, with the warm hues of the desert setting against the cool tones of the sky at what appears to be either dawn or dusk.This allegorical piece not only illustrates a literal fight for natural resources but also subtly comments on political and social struggles, as indicated by the label "Presidency" at the water source. Keppler, known for his politically charged and satirical works, crafts a scene that resonates with broader themes of power, control, and survival.
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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.