Hollanders willen het achterwerk van Napoleon kussen, 1811 1811

This hand-colored etching, made by William Elmes around 1811, uses the traditional printmaking processes of etching and engraving to create a political cartoon. It relies on line work to convey the scene's satirical message. The print shows Dutch officials as literal ‘men of bottom’, bending over to ‘kiss’ an upside-down Napoleon. Barrels inscribed with terms like ‘Essence of Juniper’ and ‘Hollands Gin’ serve as props, underscoring Dutch identity and perhaps, satirically, suggesting intoxication with Napoleon’s power. The etching process allows for fine detail, but the application of color is more generalized, likely done in an assembly-line manner. The image critiques the political climate of the time, capturing the complex relationship between the Dutch and Napoleonic France. The print's production, involving skilled artisans and a degree of mass production, parallels the political message: a commentary on labor, power, and national identity under economic and political pressure. It challenges our assumptions about what constitutes ‘high’ art, revealing the potent social critique embedded in even seemingly simple, mass-produced images.