Ontwerp voor een politieke spotprent: slang met gekroond hoofd neergestoken door zwaard van Justitia 1887 - 1919

This is a political cartoon drawn by Albert Hahn, likely made in the Netherlands during the early 20th century, judging by the style and the artist’s dates. Hahn was known for his socialist and anti-militarist views, often expressed through pointed caricatures. Here, we see a crowned serpent, representing monarchical power, impaled by a sword labeled "Justitia," the embodiment of Justice. The writhing body looms over a crowd of ordinary people. Hahn uses the visual language of traditional morality tales, turning it on its head to critique contemporary power structures. The image resonates with the growing socialist movements of the time, which sought to challenge the established order and advocate for the rights of the working class. To fully understand such a piece, we would need to delve into Dutch political history of the period, exploring the relationship between the monarchy, the burgeoning labor movement, and the prevailing social attitudes towards justice and authority. Only then can we appreciate the full force of Hahn's visual critique.