“The Modern Moses.” From Puck Magazine, Vol. 10, no. 247.

(AMERICAN-JUDAICA)

November 30th

(New York

1881)

Double panel color illustration by Frederick Opper & Joseph Keppler (O&K).

Puck was America’s first successful humor magazine, published from 1871 until 1918, featuring colorful caricatures and political satire focusing on the social and political issues of the day. This striking image can be explained as follows (JVL): “Moses is Uncle Sam, his trousers the red and white stripes of the American flag, beams of light radiating from his white top hat. He stands on a Rock of Salvation and with his wand marked “Liberty” he cleaves the waters of the Atlantic. On the far horizon looms death in a military helmet. A setting sun on the near shore emits its rays inscribed “Western Homes.” Through the parted waters marked “Oppression” and “Intolerance” marches a long line of Jewish immigrants.”