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Belshazzarfellers feast
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Belshazzarfellers feast
Belshazzarfellers feast. Illustration shows John D. Rockefeller as Belshazzar sitting on a throne above a group of capitalists and politicians enjoying a feast of such dishes as Draw Back Bon-Bons, Fruits of Monopoly, and Rebate Plums. The festivities are interrupted by a hand appearing from above holding The Big Stick and writing the words Rate Legislation. Date 1905 May 31. Belshazzarfellers feast. Illustration shows John D. Rockefeller as Belshazzar sitting on a throne above a group of capitalists and politicians enjoying a feast of such dishes as Draw Back Bon-Bons, Fruits of Monopoly, and Rebate Plums. The festivities are interrupted by a hand appearing from above holding The Big Stick and writing the words Rate Legislation. Date 1905 May 31
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Belshazzar's Feast: A 1905 Allegory of Corporate Greed and Regulation This illustration, titled "Belshazzar's Feast," was published in Puck magazine on May 31, 1905. The cartoon depicts John D. Rockefeller, the American industrialist and philanthropist, seated on a grand throne, presiding over a lavish feast. Surrounding him are an array of capitalists and politicians, each indulging in the sumptuous offerings of 'Draw Back Bon-Bons,' 'Fruits of Monopoly,' and 'Rebate Plums.' The jovial atmosphere is abruptly disrupted as a hand, emanating from the heavens, wields 'The Big Stick' and inscribes the words 'Rate Legislation' on the wall. This striking image is a powerful allegory of the growing public unease with the monopolistic practices and excessive wealth accumulation of the industrial elite during the Progressive Era. The illustration is reminiscent of the biblical story of Belshazzar, king of Babylon, who, in a moment of hubris, threw a grand feast while disregarding the divine will. The hand of God intervened, writing the prophetic message on the wall, ultimately leading to Belshazzar's downfall. In this modern interpretation, the hand of regulation and public scrutiny intrudes upon the self-serving banquet of the capitalist elite, signaling the need for accountability and reform. This piece from Puck magazine, a leading satirical publication of the time, offers a glimpse into the societal debates and political tensions that characterized the early 20th century. The illustration remains a poignant reminder of the ongoing dialogue between corporate power and government regulation.
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