The democratic Micawber (1907)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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"The Democratic Micawber," an engaging painting by Udo Keppler from 1907, presents a colorful caricature that is rich in both humor and historical context. This artwork depicts a figure inspired by Wilkins Micawber, a fictional character made famous in Charles Dickens' novel, "David Copperfield." Known for his eternal optimism and eccentric financial wisdom, Micawber here is illustrated in a whimsical manner, dressed in traditional 19th-century attire with a top hat and a tailcoat, gripping a cane.Keppler, known for his pointed political cartoons, imbues this painting with a twist of political commentary, hinting at his perceptions of the Democratic party of that era. The caricature's rueful expression, combined with the portrayal holding tools typically associated with financial endeavor—a bag presumably full of documents or money—suggests a commentary on financial policies or political optimism, reminiscent of Micawber's famous expectation that "something will turn up."This piece is a superb example of how art intertwines with societal and political narratives, encapsulating the spirit of an era through the lens of satire and personality.
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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.