Keppler, Joseph Ferdinand, 1838-1894

Richard (Rick) Marschall examines a famous political cartoon from 1884 that features one of the earliest depictions of Theodore Roosevelt. Marschall focuses on Bernhard Gillam’s Phryne Before the Chicago Tribunal which depicts various leaders of the Republican Party pondering the political fate of James Gillespie Blaine, the eventual Republican nominee in the 1884 presidential contest. Marschall chronicles the highs and lows of Roosevelt’s life in 1884, and he identifies many of the prominent Republicans depicted in the cartoon which is based on the French painting Phryne Before the Areopagus. The political cartoon supplements the text.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

2018

Creator(s)

Marschall, Richard

Roger A. Fischer examines the emergence of Theodore Roosevelt as a subject for political cartoonists in the years 1883-1884. Fischer highlights Roosevelt’s battles with the Tammany Hall political machine in New York City and his role at the 1884 Republican National Convention. Fischer argues that Roosevelt received a lot of attention because he was from New York City where the major magazines of the time had their offices.

The article features seven cartoons depicting Roosevelt and others, and it also includes a listing of the officers of the Theodore Roosevelt Association along with the members of its executive committee.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

1988

In a four panel cartoon, four Puck cartoonists each take a panel in an effort to solve the issue of Mormonism. Clockwise from bottom left, captioned, “I imagine it must be a perfect paradise–Keppler,” Joseph Keppler places himself at the center of a harem, smoking a hookah signed “J.K.” and surrounded by beautiful women, one bringing a bottle of “G.H. Mumm” champagne. At top left, captioned, “I think one wife is enough–Gillam,” Bernhard Gillam shows a domestic scene at his home where he, labeled “Small Income,” his coattails in the clutches of his wife, attempts to avoid being struck by her with a fireplace scoop, while “My Wife’s Relations” stand behind her. At top right, captioned, “How long will this destructive monster be allowed to live?–Opper,” Frederick Opper is shown gesturing toward a large octopus labeled “Mormonism” that has caught in its tentacles “S.J.T., Uncle Sam, Public Opinion, Y.M.C.A., Public School System, Justice, Independent New Party, W.H.V., Field, Gould, Kelly, [a] New York Dive, [and the] Catholic Church,” as well as Benjamin Butler, the U.S. Capitol, and reaching all the way to “Ireland.” On the bottom right, captioned, “What is the use of Mormonism, when a man can change his wife whenever he likes?–Graetz,” Friedrich Graetz stands in the foreground gesturing toward hordes of men rushing to get divorced on “Saturday. Divorce day in Chicago,” and at places advertising “Divorces without publicity, Divorces procured without delay. Liberal charges, [and] Divorces obtained for $5.00.”

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1884-02-13

Creator(s)

Keppler, Joseph Ferdinand, 1838-1894

Puck peers behind a curtain to witness Joseph Ferdinand Keppler staging a puppet show labeled “U. S. Senate” showing a confrontation between Jefferson Davis, dressed as a woman, and General Sherman. Another puppet labeled “Vance” sits behind the curtain with an unidentified puppet, possibly William Mahone. Caption: Grand reproduction of the Rebellion, and terrific combat between General Sherman and Jeff Davis!! Joe Hawley, manager.

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1885-01-21

Creator(s)

Keppler, Joseph Ferdinand, 1838-1894