Spotprent op de plannen tot aflossing van de nationale schuld, 1875 1875

This 1875 caricature by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans, titled "Spotprent op de plannen tot aflossing van de nationale schuld," satirizes the Dutch government's plan to pay off national debt. The image depicts a man in a top hat, symbolizing the government, standing beside a large metal box representing the national debt. A woman and child, representing the people of the Netherlands, are shown begging for relief, while the government attempts to hide the debt with a banner proclaiming "Amortization 10 Million". The drawing uses exaggeration and humor to highlight the disparity between the government's actions and the plight of its people. This satirical work, created in a style typical of the time, uses political commentary and visual storytelling to communicate its message.