Penning tegen Jozef II, 1787 1787 - 1790

This satirical print, created anonymously between 1787 and 1790, depicts two circular medallions. The upper medallion satirizes the reign of Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor, and King of Bohemia and Hungary. The lower medallion depicts a man being crowned with a crown of thorns and an inscription in Dutch reads, "This is what the Netherlands has to expect." The print is a powerful commentary on the political climate of the time, and it can be interpreted as a warning to the Netherlands about the dangers of tyranny. It is an example of the Dutch satirical printmaking tradition, which was often used to criticize political and social issues. The print is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.