Spotprent op de verkiezingen, 1873 1873

This print, a commentary on the elections of 1873, was made by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans using a technique known as etching. This is an indirect method of printmaking, where acid is used to bite lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The medium has a direct effect on the image; you can see the hatching and cross-hatching, which give the print its tonality, and also the expressive, almost nervous lines, born of the artist’s hand as it moves across the plate. This is not a monumental painting meant to last for ages; it's an ephemeral artifact, quickly made to capture a moment in time and circulate widely. The speed and reproducibility of printmaking were ideal for political commentary at this time. The relatively quick, cheap production meant that ideas could be rapidly disseminated to a wide audience, becoming a form of political mobilization. The print medium is thus integral to the message, allowing for widespread participation in the political sphere. Ultimately, by understanding the print process, we appreciate how political satire gains influence and takes root in society.