Tweede Kamer droom van "Had je me maar" 1921

Willem van Schaik made this lithograph, "Tweede Kamer droom van 'Had je me maar'," using a method that democratized image production. Lithography, unlike laborious engraving, allowed artists to draw directly onto a stone or metal plate, making the process feel closer to drawing. The resulting print retains a sketch-like quality, lending itself well to caricature and social commentary. Here, the choice of lithography infuses the image with a sense of immediacy, mirroring the fast-paced world of politics and public opinion. The stark black lines create a sharp contrast, emphasizing the figure’s languid posture and air of self-satisfaction. This would have allowed for quick reproduction and distribution, crucial for disseminating political messages to a wide audience. The artist utilized the nature of the lithographic process to challenge the traditional distinction between fine art and the graphic arts. In doing so, they make a commentary on class, labor, and the consumption of political imagery in modern society.