Spotprent over het Letterkundig congres, 1887 1887

Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans created this print in 1887, which satirizes the Literary Congress, a forum for intellectuals and writers. At a time when national identity was being negotiated across Europe, this work encapsulates Dutch anxieties around cultural and linguistic purity. The print shows two lions – symbols of the Netherlands – drinking German beer while seemingly trying to speak French. This visual metaphor critiques the Dutch elite's affectation of foreign languages and cultures, suggesting a tension between cosmopolitanism and national pride. The text reinforces this sentiment, stating, "Despite German beer and speaking in French, and English tragedies, we remain good Dutch." Humor is used here as a tool to express cultural anxieties, questioning what it truly means to be Dutch in an increasingly globalized world. It reflects a broader struggle to maintain cultural identity amidst external influences. This image encapsulates a specific historical moment, but still resonates with contemporary questions about cultural authenticity and national identity.