Horrible nightmare of a worthy old gentleman (1900)

"Horrible Nightmare of a Worthy Old Gentleman," a compelling painting by Udo Keppler from the year 1900, artfully captures what appears to be a distressing dream afflicting an elderly man as he sleeps. The color-rich artwork, steeped with symbolic elements, unfolds in the intimate setting of the gentleman's bedroom.At first glance, the central figure—an elderly white-haired man—is shown tossing uncomfortably in his bed, vividly illustrating the turmoil of a nightmare. Above his bed, we see a framed portrait of a dignified African American man, juxtaposed starkly with the placid sleep scene. The presence of this portrait looming in the background while the gentleman suffers his nightmare may imply a broader social or political commentary, potentially reflecting on American attitudes towards race and governance at the turn of the 20th century.Running along the top of the image is a text implying faith in American values such as patriotism, character, and governmental responsibility, which suggests that the dream may be rooted in anxieties about these very ideals. The artwork serves as a visual counterpart to the caption, questioning the extent of America's commitment to "extend the inestimable blessings of freedom, law, and civilization" in an age of imperial expansion and domestic inequality.This painting by Keppler offers a profound narrative through its imagery and accompanying text, inviting viewers to delve into the complex dynamics of American societal values at a crucial period in the nation's history.