Falling gods (1909)
Technique: Giclée quality print
Recommended by our customers
More about this artwork
"Falling Gods" (1909) by Udo Keppler is a visually striking and thought-provoking piece that seamlessly blends themes of mythology and socio-political commentary. This painting captures the enigmatic beauty of a twilight landscape, where the calm yet somber sky gently transitions from dusky blues to warm, delicate shades of pink and orange at the horizon.Dominating the scene are figures reminiscent of ancient Egyptian deities, seated stoically yet appearing desolate on their thrones. Each throne bears inscriptions such as "Protection," "Bossism," "Partisanship," and "Plutocracy," suggesting these gods represent various forces or ideologies in society. Their looming presence on the bank of a serene yet slowly encroaching river signifies the gradual but inevitable decline of these once-powerful constructs. The river, reflecting the sky's twilight hues, gently laps against the bases of these thrones, symbolizing nature's quiet reclaiming of man-made structures and ideas.In the background, the landscape is dotted with sparse vegetation and small figures, possibly indicating the ordinary lives that continue in the shadow of these collapsing giants. A crescent moon watches over the scene, adding a touch of tranquility and a sense of passing time to this powerful tableau.
Delivery
Returns
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.