Zilveren beker geschonken aan prof. C.B. Tilanus, 1853 1853

This anonymously created artwork from 1876, titled 'Haagsche Kermis 1876,' captivates with its linear precision. Its composition, primarily defined by thin lines and stark contrast, immediately draws the eye to the central scene of figures reacting to a caged tiger, seemingly prompting a moment of suspense and critique. The formal structure of the image is noteworthy: the artist uses line to create a visual hierarchy and perhaps even a symbolic critique. The solid cage contrasts with the wavering lines of the figures' bodies, conveying a sense of instability and fear. The text 'ONTWERP MILITIEWET' on the cage places the image within a broader political context, the design of military law. The artwork’s meaning is rooted in its graphic structure: the lines, their density, and direction, coalesce to produce an image that asks us to question the relationship between the individual and political legislation. The composition challenges fixed meanings, prompting viewers to reflect on the dynamic play between the individual, society, and the state.