Keppler Collection
Joseph Keppler, a renowned American cartoonist of the late 19th century, left an indelible mark on political satire with his thought-provoking illustrations
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Joseph Keppler, a renowned American cartoonist of the late 19th century, left an indelible mark on political satire with his thought-provoking illustrations. Through his cartoons, Keppler fearlessly tackled various social and political issues of his time. In one of his notable works titled "The Bosses of the Senate, " created in 1889, Keppler depicted the corrupting influence of monopolies on American politics. This anti-trust cartoon highlighted the power wielded by influential figures such as William Henry Vanderbilt, Cyrus W. Field, and Jay Gould within the railroad industry. Another significant piece by Keppler was a pro-immigration cartoon called "Welcome to All. " from 1880. In this illustration, he advocated for unrestricted immigration to America during a period when nativist sentiments were prevalent. Keppler's talent extended beyond domestic affairs; he also commented on international events. His caricature mocking Otto von Bismarck as an Angel of Peace in the Balkans following his role at the Congress of Berlin in 1878 showcased Keppler's ability to critique foreign diplomacy through art. Not limited to politics alone, Joseph it also delved into presidential elections and their aftermaths. In one cartoon from 1892 entitled "Nevermore, " Secretary of State James G. Blaine is portrayed as Edgar Allan Poe's Raven delivering bad news about President Benjamin Harrison seeking re-election. Keppler even took aim at former presidents like Ulysses S. Grant in his lithograph cartoon titled "The Modern Wandering Jew" from 1880. Here, Grant leans on his war record while attempting an unprecedented third term bid during that year's election cycle. Throughout his career, Joseph Keppler used humor and wit to shed light on societal issues and hold those in power accountable for their actions or lack thereof. His contributions continue to inspire modern-day satirists and remind us of the power that art holds in shaping public opinion.