Just the Difference, from Puck 1880

Joseph Keppler's print, likely made with lithography, a process involving drawing on stone and transferring the image, captures a sharp political commentary of its time. The visual texture created through lithography, with its fine lines and tonal variations, allows for nuanced characterizations. The weight of the donkey, laden with burdens, is palpable. The artist uses the material to highlight the Democratic party's perceived baggage: ideas like 'secession sympathy,' and 'inflation'. The Republican horse, by contrast, trots lightly toward the future with no weight at all. The production of such a print was inherently tied to mass communication, designed for wide distribution and immediate impact. Keppler engages with popular visual culture to criticize and persuade. The print embodies the social and political tensions of the era, making the artwork’s meaning accessible to a broad audience. Understanding the print’s material and context allows us to appreciate its intended meaning and enduring relevance.