Spotprent op gouverneur-generaal Mijer, 1870 1870

This print, made by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans in 1870, is a lithograph, a printing process that relies on the chemical repulsion between oil and water. The image is drawn on a stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, then inked and pressed onto paper. The lithographic process allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction, making it an ideal medium for political satire like this. Notice the rough, almost sketch-like quality of the lines, which gives the print a sense of immediacy. The artist uses crosshatching to create areas of shadow and depth, particularly on the barrel and figures' clothing. Here we see a commentary on Dutch politics, specifically the figure of Governor-General Mijer, portrayed as a cynic in a barrel. This draws on the story of Diogenes, the ancient Greek philosopher who famously lived in a tub. The print's satirical edge comes from its ability to rapidly disseminate a critical perspective, engaging a wide audience in a visual conversation about power, policy, and the role of leadership. It reminds us that even seemingly simple materials like ink and paper can be powerful tools for social commentary and political change.