Where’s my square deal (1905)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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"Where's My Square Deal?" is a compelling and satirical painting by John Samuel Pughe, created in 1905. This artwork dives deep into the tumultuous waters of early 20th-century politics and corporate ethics, painting a vivid scene of chaos and desperation.In the center of the piece, we see a man submerged up to his neck in water, his face contorted in a grimace of fear and surprise. Swirling around him are papers and documents, each marked with words that evoke corruption and deceit: "Bribery," "Fake Transactions," "Graft," and more. These papers suggest the flotsam of scandal, perhaps hinting at the overwhelming surge of corporate and political misconduct coming to light at the time.Adding a layer of dark humor and symbolism, an elephant—often associated with the Republican Party in the U.S.—is seen floating away with a lifebuoy marked "G.O.P.," suggesting the possible escape or indifference of the party from the prevailing issues.The ominous and stormy seascape in the background complements the theme of turmoil and upheaval. This painting not only captures but also critiques the socio-political environment of its time, using intense imagery and sharp commentary to evoke reflection and reaction from its viewers.
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John Samuel Pughe, was a Welsh-born American political cartoonist, best known for his illustrations for Puck magazine.
John Samuel Pughe was born in Dolgelley, Merionethshire, Wales, and brought to America by his parents when he was two years old. He studied art at Cooper Union.
J. S. Pughe illustrated news stories for the New York Recorder, Brooklyn Life, and the Brooklyn edition of the World as a young man. He began working at Puck magazine in 1894. He was a regular contributor there until his last cartoon for them, in December 1908.
Pughe died in 1909, age 38, at Lakehurst, New Jersey, where he had been spending several months to improve his health.