Spotprent op de aanval van Wintgens op de antirevolutionairen, 1873 1873

This satirical print by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans, made in 1873, provides a window into the turbulent political landscape of the Netherlands at the time. The cartoon depicts a parliamentary setting, where the figure of Wintgens is seen charging toward a group of antirevolutionaries, brandishing a flag labeled "Conservatism." The artist uses the visual language of political cartoons to comment on the ideological clashes and power struggles within the Dutch government. More than that though, it’s a reflection on the emotional investment that people have in their political views, and how those views become part of their identity. The artist subtly critiques the political status quo while inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities of governance and representation. Schmidt Crans captures not just the political climate of his time, but also the deeply personal and emotional dimensions of political engagement.