Het openen van de sluizen, 1799 1799

"Opening the Sluices or the Secret Expedition" is a satirical political cartoon created by John Cawse in 1799. The artwork depicts three women, likely representing powerful figures of the time, releasing a flood of men into the water. The men, representing political opponents, are depicted as drowning and struggling to stay afloat. Cawse's use of caricature and symbolism underscores the political tensions of the period and critiques the actions of those in power. This print, part of the Rijksmuseum's collection, is a prime example of British satirical art, offering a glimpse into the political climate of the late 18th century.