Spotprent over het beleid ten aanzien van Roma en Sinti in Nederland en België 1888

This is a print by Jan Holswilder, made in 1888, commenting on the treatment of Roma and Sinti people in the Netherlands and Belgium. The image shows officials from both countries forcibly removing Roma and Sinti people from their borders. The figures are caricatured, and the scene is chaotic, with possessions flying through the air, symbolizing the disruption and displacement experienced by these communities. The print uses the visual codes of political satire to critique the policies of exclusion and discrimination prevalent at the time. Published in "De Lantaarn," a Dutch satirical magazine, the print reflects the growing anti-immigrant sentiment and the marginalization of minority groups within European society. To fully understand its significance, we can consult archival records, period newspapers, and studies of social attitudes towards Roma and Sinti people in the late 19th century. This print, therefore, is a reminder of the importance of understanding art within its specific historical and institutional context.