Spotprent met Sinterklaas en Zwarte Piet, 1882 1882

This satirical illustration, "Spotprent met Sinterklaas en Zwarte Piet" (1882), created by Dutch artist Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans, depicts a humorous scene of Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet. The image utilizes caricature to critique the social and political climate of the Netherlands during the 19th century. Sinterklaas, a traditional figure in Dutch culture, is portrayed as a pompous bishop, while Zwarte Piet, his helper, holds a sign listing various political figures and events. The illustration is a poignant example of political cartooning, a popular genre that utilized satire to address social and political issues.