Always look a gift-horse in the mouth (1909)

Udo Keppler's vivid and incisive 1909 cartoon, "Always look a gift-horse in the mouth," offers a compelling visual critique wrapped in satirical artwork. This engaging piece serves not only as a display of artistic talent but also as a cogent piece of political commentary from the early 20th century.The painting portrays two figures positioned beside a large horse. On the left, Uncle Sam, emblematically dressed in a star-spangled suit, inspects the horse’s mouth, reflecting the idiom which advises caution and thorough evaluation of gifts or acquisitions. To the right stands a stern man, labeled "Aldrich," representing Nelson W. Aldrich, a prominent American politician known for his deep involvement in banking reforms and seen as a proxy for the interests of affluent industrialists of that era.The horse itself, marked as "Central Bank," symbolizes the controversial idea of central banking which was hotly debated at that time in the U.S. The dynamic portrayal of these figures around the horse vividly encapsulates the struggles and skepticism surrounding the establishment of a central bank. Keppler's use of bold lines and dramatic character expressions intensifies the narrative of scrutiny and the clash of governmental and financial powers.This artwork resonates as a piece of historical interpretation, prompting viewers to explore the layers of political and economic narratives of the past, depicted through the unique visual language of satire.