Zie Gulivers geval. De landen 't aller wegen, / Beschreven in dez' print, zyn in de Maen gelegen. / Jeunesse dans ce tableau admire les passages. / Qu' éprouva Guliver, dans ses eurieux voyages 1842 - 1856

This print by P.J. Delhuvenne depicts scenes from "Gulliver's Travels," a satirical novel by Jonathan Swift, which critiques 18th-century European society. The illustrated scenes, framed with text in both Dutch and French, introduce us to Gulliver's encounters in fantastical lands, populated by tiny Lilliputians and towering giants. Swift used the fictional world of Lilliput to satirize the political and social issues of his time, particularly the petty squabbles and power struggles within the British government. What does it mean to view these adventures through Delhuvenne’s eyes? We might ask ourselves how the artist interpreted Swift's commentary on power, colonialism, and the nature of humanity. “I cannot but conclude I was naturally partial to my own country and could not think of doing it any injustice,” wrote Swift. The emotional heart of this print lies in its ability to invite us to reflect on our own biases and prejudices. Ultimately, the artwork serves as a mirror, reflecting not only the societal issues of Swift's time, but also our own contemporary concerns about power, difference, and the human condition.