The keepers at the gate (1897)

"The Keepers at the Gate," an evocative painting by Udo Keppler from 1897, masterfully illustrates the economic and political tensions intertwined with the Dingley Tariff. This satirical piece captures the essence of the debates over tariff legislation during that era, employing caricature to deepen its message.Keppler portrays three essential characters in this dynamic scene. To the left, a confident man relaxes unaware or unfazed beneath a sign marked "Prosperity Road"; he seems detached from the central conflict, suggesting perhaps the indifferent bystander in political matters. At the painting’s center, a farmer, burdened with sacks labeled "US Cereals," prepares to load a "Toll" sack onto his cart, hinting at the financial toll these tariffs take on everyday Americans. On the right, a stout gatekeeper sporting a top hat marked "Monopoly" obstructs the entrance to "Prosperity Road" with the gate leveraged by the Dingley Tariff. His attire and demeanor symbolize the powerful economic interests benefitting from high tariffs, and the labels on nearby sacks reading "Trust Profits" reinforce this notion of restricted competition and controlled markets.Through vivid colors and expressive figures, Udo Keppler critiques the impact of tariffs and the political gatekeeping that favors certain economic entities over the broader public good.