After the Chicago Catastrophe, from Puck 1880

Joseph Keppler's "After the Chicago Catastrophe," published in Puck, is a lithograph, a printmaking process reliant on the chemical repulsion of oil and water. The artist draws on a stone or metal plate with a greasy medium, which is then treated with acid and water, allowing ink to adhere only to the drawn areas. Keppler uses this process for biting political satire. The “catastrophe” refers to the 1884 Republican National Convention in Chicago, depicted here as a literal train wreck. Figures like Logan, Long, and Cameron stagger away, injured. The lithographic technique, with its capacity for detail and shading, enables Keppler to render their expressions of dismay and defeat with great effect. The print medium was ideal for mass distribution and reflects the growing importance of public opinion in the late 19th century. Puck was known for its sharp criticism of political corruption and social issues, and this print exemplifies the magazine's commitment to holding those in power accountable. The widespread availability of such prints fostered a more engaged and informed citizenry, challenging the established order.