Jozef II als een wolf die een schaap verslindt 1787 - 1790

This anonymous print held at the Rijksmuseum depicts Joseph II as a wolf devouring a sheep. The image connects to a broader context of political satire during his reign. Made sometime during Joseph II's rule as Holy Roman Emperor, the print employs visual codes to critique his policies. The wolf in sheep's clothing is a direct cultural reference, symbolizing deception and betrayal. The choice of Joseph II as the wolf points to contemporary discontent with his reforms, seen by some as predatory. The etching was produced in the Austrian Netherlands, now Belgium, at a time of significant social and political tension due to Joseph II's reforms. These reforms aimed to modernize the state, but also centralized power and challenged local traditions. The Rijksmuseum and other collections hold many primary source documents from this time, helping us to understand the political and social context in more detail. Understanding this print requires historians to delve into the specifics of Joseph II's reforms, the social classes they impacted, and how the institutions were affected. By doing so, we can gain insights into the public role of art as a form of political commentary and resistance.