It’s ‘up to’ them (1901)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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Artist:Udo Keppler's 1901 painting "It's 'up to' them" is a striking political cartoon that vividly captures the artist's perspective on American colonialism and the foreign policy dynamics at the beginning of the 20th century. The illustration portrays a large, anthropomorphized figure of Uncle Sam, easily recognizable by his distinctive white beard and suit, cradling various individuals in his hands.On the left, Uncle Sam holds a western farmer and a schoolteacher, symbolizing domestic prosperity and education. On the right, he supports a diverse group representing newly acquired territories and dependencies: a Filipino, a Native American, a Hawaiian, a Puerto Rican, and a Cuban. These figures likely embody the people from regions such as the Philippines, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, where American influence was growing following the Spanish-American War.The background hints at a pastoral American landscape, contrasting with the characters in Uncle Sam's hands, suggesting the tension between the United States' internal identity and its expanding imperialistic ambitions. The title "It's 'up to' them" implies a debate on the integration or independence of these territories, highlighting the controversial nature of American expansionism during this era.
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Udo J. Keppler, since 1894. known as Joseph Keppler, Jr., was an American political cartoonist, publisher, and Native American advocate. The son of cartoonist Joseph Keppler (1838–1894), who founded Puck magazine, the younger Keppler also contributed to cartoons, and after his father's death became co-owner of the magazine under the name Joseph Keppler. He was also a collector of Native American artifacts.