Spotprent op het ontwerp voor het paleis der Staten-Generaal, 1865 1865

This is a political cartoon made in 1865 by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans, commenting on the proposed design for the Palace of the States-General in the Netherlands. The image presents a satirical view of the parliamentary project. It shows builders hastily leaving their work on the palace. The phrase "Onvoltallige zitting der 2e Kamer" translates to "Incomplete Session of the Second Chamber," and the caption reads "They go home for a break and leave the building of their own house at stake". This connects to the broader social context of Dutch parliamentary politics and the allocation of public funds. The cartoon critiques the government's priorities, suggesting that parliamentarians are neglecting their own responsibilities—"their own house"—in favor of grand building projects. The image creates meaning through visual codes. The unfinished construction and fleeing workers serve as a commentary on the perceived mismanagement and misallocation of resources by the government. Understanding this image requires an appreciation of Dutch political history and the debates around public works projects. By examining the social context and political debates of the time, historians can provide valuable insights into its meaning and significance.