Spotprent op de Tiercering van 1810 1810 - 1812

Jacob Smies created this small, satirical print, "Spotprent op de Tiercering van 1810," using pen and watercolor. It's an incisive visual commentary on the economic pressures exerted by France on the Netherlands during the early 19th century. The image depicts Dutch citizens reluctantly dropping bags of money into a coffer labeled "La France," while French officials gleefully oversee the transaction. Notice how Smies captures the Dutch’s resentment, contrasting it with the almost cartoonish delight of the French figures. This evokes the complex power dynamics at play, where national identity and economic survival were in conflict. The cartoon is a testament to the resilience and resistance of a people under occupation. Smies doesn't just illustrate a historical event; he captures the emotional weight of political subjugation. It serves as a poignant reminder of how economic policies can deeply impact national pride and individual liberty.