Spotprent 1877

This political cartoon was created in 1877 by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans, using a printmaking process. The artist would have first created a design, and then transferred this onto a printing plate for the images to be reproduced onto paper. The material quality of the print – its stark lines and monochrome palette – lends itself to the message: a critical, satirical view of parliament. The print process allowed for wide distribution, crucial for political discourse. The figures are rendered with simple, yet expressive lines, their furtive expressions heightened by the stark contrast of black ink on white paper. By using printmaking, Schmidt Crans could engage with a broader public, making his critique accessible beyond elite circles, turning a piece of paper into a powerful tool for social commentary. This challenges traditional hierarchies of art, where value is often placed on unique, handcrafted objects.