Naamlijst bij de prent met de begrafenis van een dode zalm, 1787 1787

This anonymous print from 1787, held at the Rijksmuseum, presents as a stark, monochrome tableau of text. Its visual impact lies primarily in its layout and textual density, rather than pictorial elements. The composition is dominated by vertically aligned blocks of text, carefully structured to resemble an official decree or public notice. The print functions as a list—specifically, a 'Naamlijst' or name-list associated with the mock funeral of a dead salmon. The formal arrangement mimics the structure of official documents, employing a rigid hierarchy of names and titles. This layout, reminiscent of legal or administrative texts, ironically underscores the satirical nature of the event. Through its form, the print adopts the visual language of authority, only to subvert it with the absurdity of its content. The contrast between the serious, formal structure and the farcical subject creates a tension that challenges established norms. In this way, the artwork operates as a cultural critique, using its formal qualities to amplify its message and invite a reevaluation of societal values.