Spotprent over het dagbladzegel, 1869 1869

Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans created this print in 1869, and it critiques the newspaper stamp duty using potent symbolism. The image situates us within a ‘chamber of horrors,’ a space where instruments of torture represent the oppressive nature of the tax on newspapers. Here, the artist critiques the stamp duty’s impact on freedom of expression, which he likens to a form of torture. We see a female figure, perhaps representing liberty, discarding the stamp, while a ‘seal machine’ lurks ominously nearby surrounded by implements of torture. The choice of such strong imagery points to a deep sense of injustice, reflecting the broader political sentiment against measures that were perceived as stifling public discourse. This cartoon speaks to the complex relationship between power, media, and the public. It serves as a reminder of the struggles for freedom of the press. It also emphasizes the emotional weight of censorship and the courage required to challenge oppressive systems.