Money talks (1906)

"Money Talks," a compelling 1906 painting by American artist Udo Keppler, serves as a striking visual commentary on the pervasive power of wealth in political and societal structures. The artwork features a central figure, a man dressed in a suit, flanked by two large, anthropomorphic bags of money with decidedly smug and controlling expressions. These figures symbolize the wealthy interests that often manipulate politics to their favor.The man appears somber and almost puppet-like, suggesting that despite his position, he is merely an instrument for the larger, more powerful forces of money. Each money bag is adorned with the dollar sign symbol, clearly emphasizing the theme of wealth. Notably, the man is holding these money bags close, indicating his close ties and dependence on this financial power.The background is muted, ensuring that the focus remains squarely on the central characters, highlighting the intimacy and intensity of the relationship between money and power. The footnote with the word "VENTRILOQUIST" adds a final touch of irony, aligning the man with a dummy controlled by the unseen hands of wealth and power.Keppler’s painting is a masterful critique of economic influence over democratic institutions and remains relevant in discussions about the intersections of money and governance.