Gallery: 'Puck' and the art of political satire
There is something hauntingly familiar about the cartoons of Puck magazine. As the first successful magazine of political satire, Puck took aim at politicians, business titans and special interest groups swirling around Washington, D.C. from 1876 to 1918.
Although the magazine featured the work of its founder, Joseph Keppler, other prominent artists of the time contributed. Indeed, the magazine continued in publication more than a decade after Keppler's death. See our story here.
Although the magazine featured the work of its founder, Joseph Keppler, other prominent artists of the time contributed. Indeed, the magazine continued in publication more than a decade after Keppler's death. See our story here.
"The Morning After"Uncle Sam is hungover after the 1912 elections and the room spins around him. Look closely and you will see a ballot box, along with mascots for the three parties, a donkey, an elephant and a bull moose. Image: Udo Keppler (1872-1956).
"A Mid-Summer Day's Dream"Published in 1881, Joseph Keppler depicts himself sleeping while his political targets paint themselves as they wish to be seen. Image: Joseph Keppler (1838-1894).
"After the Blow"Following the November 1908 elections (represented as the tornado) special interests return. One man is labeled "Special Privilege," the others are "Grafter" and "High Protection." Image: Udo Keppler.
"King Chester Arthur's Knight(cap)s of the Round Table"Published in February 1882, this illustration takes aim at President Arthur and his (snoozing) cabinet members. Image: Joseph Keppler.
"A Dreadful Attack of Presidential Fever in the U.S. Senate"In this illustration, published in February 1883, the artist depicts various members of the senate with presidential ambitions. Image: Frederick Burr Opper (1857-1937).
"Old Man Ready to be Struck"Benjamin Harrison, holding rods with metal tips, sits on a chimney waiting for the lightning bolt tagged "Republican nomination." It was published in August 1894. Image: Frederick Burr Opper.
"A Young Head on Old Shoulders"Puck warns Theodore Roosevelt to think before he speaks in this November 1899. Image: Udo Keppler.
