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

"The Wake over the Remains of the Democratic Party," a political cartoon by Joseph Keppler, lampoons the Democratic Party in the 1880s. The image, which is now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, depicts a group of figures gathered around a table, their expressions of revelry mocking the party's apparent demise. The caricatured figures embody the perceived flaws of the Democrats, highlighting the humorous potential of political satire. Keppler's work, which is often referred to as "graphic satire", was particularly popular during the 19th century and serves as a window into American political culture. The use of strong caricature and humor, particularly in the wake of a national event, provides a clear example of the power of political cartoons to influence public opinion.