Het melken van de Spaanse koe, ca. 1701 1700 - 1702

This etching, "The Milking of the Spanish Cow," was created around 1701 by an anonymous artist during a period of intense political maneuvering in Europe. It’s a satirical take on the War of the Spanish Succession, a conflict largely about who would control the Spanish throne. The print depicts a series of figures, each representing a different nation vying for power. A cow, symbolizing Spain, is being milked by a figure labeled "Le President de Castile," while others look on with varying degrees of interest and intent. The act of milking implies exploitation and control, reflecting the real-world power dynamics between nations. The artist uses the visual language of caricature to critique the self-interest and opportunism of European leaders. The cow becomes a symbol of a land and its people being used as a resource in a game of political chess. The scene invites us to consider the human cost of political ambition and the ways in which national identities and resources are often manipulated in the pursuit of power. It’s a potent reminder that behind every political decision, there are real people and communities whose lives are profoundly affected.