Op zoek naar logies in herberg de Drie Koningen, 1830 1830 - 1831

This is an 1830 anonymous print, "Op zoek naar logies in herberg de Drie Koningen," housed in the Rijksmuseum. Its monochromatic palette and precise linework give the image a satirical edge, emphasizing its commentary on power and displacement. The composition is structured around a linear progression of figures approaching an inn, ‘Aux Trois Rois’. This layout, combined with the stark architectural backdrop, creates a stage-like setting. The artist employs a semiotic strategy, assigning each figure a number and caption, creating a coded narrative. The figures represent various political figures, including ‘Le Roy d'Alger’ and ‘Petit Charles’ who are seeking accommodation. This references the political instability of the time, suggesting themes of exile and the search for refuge. The use of architectural elements like the inn's sign and closed shutters function as signs within the overall composition, pointing to a closed-off, unwelcoming society. The print challenges fixed notions of power, highlighting the vulnerability of those displaced by political events. It invites us to consider how social and political structures shape individual experiences.