Spotprent by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans

Spotprent 1877

johanmichaelschmidtcrans

aged paper

paper non-digital material

pale palette

sketch book

personal journal design

personal sketchbook

sketchbook drawing

storyboard and sketchbook work

sketchbook art

design on paper

This 1877 caricature by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans, entitled "Spotprent", satirizes a political event, likely related to a financial loan, as indicated by the text on the image. The cartoon depicts two figures, one holding a sign that reads "BATICE SLOTEN" (Dutch for "Batavia Closed"), while the other seems dejected, referencing the closure of the port of Batavia. Through its humorous depiction, the artwork comments on a contemporary issue, using exaggeration and visual wit to critique Dutch politics.