They both claim him (1896)

Udo Keppler's 1896 painting "They Both Claim Him" presents a vibrant and compelling satire of the political tensions of his time. This colorful illustration depicts a striking scene where two figures, one dressed in traditional 19th-century American attire and the other in what appears to be European dress, are tugging on the uniform of a figure dressed as a U.S. soldier that is adorned with various labels such as "McKinley's" and "High Protective Tariff."The soldier, overwhelmed and visibly distressed, straddles a hobbyhorse labeled with "Civil Service Reform." The hobbyhorse symbolically stumbles on roller skates, hinting at the instability or precariousness of the reforms. Each character and label in this artwork meticulously encapsulates elements of late 19th-century American politics, particularly focusing on the debates surrounding protectionism, imperialism, and civil service reform during President William McKinley's administration.Keppler, known for his pointed political cartoons, uses humor and exaggeration to critique the forces pulling at the U.S. government, figuratively represented by the soldier's uniform being stretched in opposite directions. His work not only illustrates the political climate of the era but also invites viewers to reflect on the ongoing tug of war in governmental policy and reform.