The Wake over the Remains of the Democratic Party, from Puck n.d.

Joseph Keppler made this print, "The Wake over the Remains of the Democratic Party," using the era's highly developed system of chromolithography. This process involved drawing with grease crayons on multiple slabs of limestone, one for each color. The stones were then inked and printed in sequence, resulting in a vibrant, layered image. The dense materiality of the print lends itself well to political satire. It shows the Democratic Party’s supposed collapse after Grover Cleveland’s defeat in 1888. Note the ‘wake’ taking place around a corpse labeled ‘Democracy.’ The lively figures are caricatures of figures in the Republican party, celebrating with drink and music. Keppler wasn't just an artist; he was also the publisher of Puck magazine, and a keen observer of society. This print showcases his ability to use the printing press as a vehicle for sharp commentary. By examining the materials and methods, we gain insight into the social and political context of the time. It reminds us that even seemingly simple images carry layers of meaning, especially when we think about the work and the politics involved in their production.