Oh, pardon me! I mistook you for the deer (1911)

Dive into the lively and humor-filled world of Udo Keppler’s 1911 artwork, "Oh, pardon me! I mistook you for the deer." This painting captures a comical and slightly chaotic encounter in the wilderness, depicted in vibrant colors and dynamic compositions that enliven the canvas.In a lively forest setting, imbued with the golden hues of autumn, the scene unfolds with two frightened figures amidst a flurry of unexpected action. On the left, a hunter, clad in an orange jacket and green hat, is caught in a moment of startled realization as he seemingly prepares to fire his rifle. His expression, one of bewildered apology, aligns perfectly with the humor of the painting's title.To the right, another man, this one dressed in a dark suit and cap, leaps high into the air, his face twisted in surprise and alarm. His dramatic reaction and the absurdity of his airborne stance add a layer of slapstick to the scene. Hovering near him, a large deer bounds effortlessly across the background, possibly the initial target of the hunter’s mistaken aim.Keppler masterfully uses bold lines and contrasting colors to separate the elements of nature from the human and animal figures, creating a lively tableau that almost seems to move before our eyes. The serene backdrop of the lake and distant trees juxtaposes with the tense, energetic foreground, emphasizing the unexpected disruption in what might have otherwise been a peaceful environment."Oh, pardon me! I mistook you for the deer" is not just a visual delight but also a narrative-rich presentation that offers a humorous reflection on human error and the surprises that nature can bring.