Spotprent op het voorstel tot een enquête over het ontwerp voor vrije verkiezingen, 1865 1865

This political print from 1865 was created by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans to comment on proposed electoral reforms in the Netherlands. It reflects a time of significant political debate about the nature of representation and democracy. The image presents a figure draped in a gown labeled "Freedom of Elections," yet its form morphs into a serpent with scales representing "Exploitation" and "Reaction." This visual metaphor critiques the deceptive nature of the proposed reforms. Are they truly about freedom, or do they mask self-interest? The Dutch parliamentarians in the background turn away, seemingly complicit or indifferent. The work draws on long established traditions of caricature and satire to engage with the institutions of government. Understanding this print requires research into the specific political debates of the time, using sources such as parliamentary records, newspapers, and personal correspondence. Through such investigation, we can begin to understand the complex relationship between art, politics, and social change.