Politieke spotprent, 1885 1885

In this 1885 political cartoon, Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans captures a moment of social unrest in the Netherlands. The demonstration depicted centers around calls for universal suffrage, a right then denied to many. Through the signs carried by the protestors, we can discern their demands—"Right for All," "Union for Universal Suffrage," and advocacy from the "General Dutch Workers' Union". These groups challenge the status quo, critiquing a system that excludes segments of society from political participation. The men wear hats, while the women behind are visually excluded and literally in the background. Crans develops an alternative narrative here, as he shines a light on the voices of the working class and marginalized. The cartoon encapsulates a pivotal moment in Dutch history, reflecting the growing desire for a more inclusive democracy. Crans not only documents a historical event, but also invites us to reflect on the ongoing struggle for equality.