Commissie voor de armen vreet zich vol, 1848 1848

Carel Christiaan Antony Last made this print called 'The commission for the poor gorges itself' in 1848. It satirizes the hypocrisy of charitable organizations in the Netherlands during a time of economic hardship. The image shows members of a commission, ostensibly dedicated to aiding the poor, feasting lavishly while the impoverished look on. The gluttony of the commission members is emphasized through their exaggerated features and postures, contrasting sharply with the gaunt faces peering in from the doorway. The print cleverly uses visual codes to highlight the social inequalities of the time. The title suggests the artist's critique of institutional corruption and the exploitation of the vulnerable. Prints like these functioned as a powerful form of social commentary. They could reach a wide audience and stimulate public discourse. Studying this print involves researching the social and economic conditions of the Netherlands in the mid-19th century, along with the history of charitable organizations and their role in society.