Spotprent op het Congres der Internationale, 1871 1871

Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans created this political print in 1871 using line drawing. The stark contrast between light and dark defines the figures and architecture. This deliberate structuring draws the eye to the two men at the center of the composition, engaged in what seems a tense discussion. The artist uses the figures to explore the ideological tensions of the time, revealed in a semiotic system of signs. The older man on the left conveys conservative anger through sharp lines and rigid posture. The younger man on the right, with softer lines and relaxed stance, signals a liberal viewpoint. Above them, the flag emblazoned with "Internationale" suggests the looming specter of international socialism. Crans uses the formal elements of line and composition to create a stage where political ideas clash. The print is not just a snapshot of a moment, but an exploration of conflicting values and worldviews. By framing it this way, the artist invites us to consider how these dynamics continue to shape social and political discourse.