Spotprent op de traagheid waarmee de wet op het Hoger Onderwijs vordert, 1875 1875

This print by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans from 1875 is made using etching, a printmaking technique that uses acid to create lines in a metal plate, which are then inked and printed. The characterization of the figures and setting relies on the sharp, precise lines that etching allows, creating a high contrast between light and shadow. This adds to the satirical tone. The print depicts two men in an enclosed space, likely a train carriage, suggesting a journey. The detailed rendering of their clothing and faces, along with the objects around them, provides a sense of the era's social context. Prints like this were often mass-produced and distributed widely, making them accessible to a broad audience and capable of influencing public opinion. The choice of etching as a medium reflects the desire to disseminate political commentary quickly and efficiently. By understanding the materials and techniques involved in its creation, we can better appreciate its role as a form of visual communication.