Spotprent op de afschaffing van accijnzen op brandstof en zeep, 1862 1862

Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans made this print in 1862 to satirize the abolition of excise duties on fuel and soap. The scene depicts members of the working class enjoying fuel and soap, which they now have better access to because of the new policies. Made in the Netherlands, this print embodies the political role of art in a rapidly industrializing society. The artist uses visual codes to deliver a political message. The figures’ exaggerated features and actions emphasize the caricatural intent. This imagery has historical associations with the tradition of political cartoons that commented on social structures. Was the artist self-consciously conservative, progressive, or even critical of institutions? Delving into Dutch history and institutional records can provide insights into the artist's agenda. Art historians interpret art contingent on social and institutional contexts. By exploring archives and political records, we can better understand this print's place in 19th-century Dutch society.