Two’s company three’s a crowd! (1914)

Udo Keppler's vibrant 1914 painting, "Two’s Company, Three’s a Crowd!" offers a compelling and satirical glimpse into the realm of early 20th-century politics. This work of art captures a tense moment between two figures, labeled "Honest Graft" and "Political Boss," who are engrossed in a secretive exchange beside a safe labeled "Corruption Fund." Their alarmed expressions and hurried demeanor suggest they are unexpectedly caught in their clandestine activities.Adding a dramatic twist to the scene, a striking figure representing "Votes for Women" enters from the right, her presence illuminated by a swath of light that cuts through the dim interior. Her classical attire and confident pose inject a symbolic purity and moral contrast to the murky dealings of the two men. The ribbon she carries, emblazoned with "Votes for Women," makes a clear statement about the power and determination of the women's suffrage movement during that era.Keppler’s choice of elements and characters in this illustration powerfully communicates themes of corruption versus integrity. The safe and scattered votes, along with the broom and dust-pan, metaphorically suggest the need to 'clean up' political corruption. The painting not only serves as an artistic reflection of its times but also as a poignant commentary on the enduring struggle between ethical governance and political maneuvering.This artwork remains a fascinating study, resonant with historical significance and rich with the artist's sharp critique of societal issues during a pivotal period in American history.