Spotprent op de benoeming van Van Hoëvell tot de Raad van State, 1862 1862

This satirical caricature, "Spotprent op de benoeming van Van Hoëvell tot de Raad van State," created by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans in 1862, depicts a scene of chaos and absurdity. The artwork mocks the appointment of Van Hoëvell, a specialist in colonial affairs, to the Dutch Council of State, a powerful advisory body. The artist uses exaggeration and grotesque features to highlight the opposition to Van Hoëvell's appointment, portraying him as a figure of ridicule amidst a group of panicked and disoriented individuals. This satirical engraving serves as a commentary on Dutch colonial politics and the public's perception of Van Hoëvell's role in the colonial administration. It offers a glimpse into the social and political dynamics of the time, reflecting the controversies surrounding Dutch colonialism and the appointment of a controversial figure to a position of influence.