Spotprent op de tweedracht binnen de liberale partij, 1873 1873

This lithograph was made in 1873 by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans. Lithography is a printmaking technique that uses a stone or metal plate with a smooth surface. The artist draws on the surface with a greasy substance, then applies ink, which adheres only to the greasy areas. The material qualities of lithography – its capacity for fine lines and tonal variation – are well-suited to caricature. The image depicts a female figure, representing “Tweedracht,” or discord, clinging to a bundle of arrows that are breaking apart. This is a direct reference to political tensions within the liberal party. The choice of lithography speaks to the rise of mass media and political commentary in the 19th century. It allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction of images, making them accessible to a wider audience. This print reflects how graphic media became entwined with political discourse, using satire to influence public opinion during times of social change.