Spotprent op de overwinning van de liberalen en de ultramontijnen bij de verkiezingen, 1871 1871

Curator: Okay, let's talk about this print by Johan Michael Schmidt Crans, created in 1871. It's titled "Spotprent op de overwinning van de liberalen en de ultramontijnen bij de verkiezingen," which translates to something like "Cartoon on the victory of the liberals and ultramontanes in the elections." What strikes you immediately? Editor: It feels very much of its time, doesn't it? All those tiny cross-hatched lines! And a somewhat agitated feeling with the odd angles and falling figures. Gives the impression of immediate commentary, a real gut reaction to something happening right now. Curator: Absolutely. It's an engraving, a medium well-suited for mass dissemination and political commentary at the time. Note how Crans uses symbolism here. The figures holding the flags represent the different political factions: liberalism and ultramontanism. You see figures collapsed beneath them, implying the defeat of other political persuasions, each banner announcing a tenet and alliance. Editor: And that dramatic scale shift. The figure on the left with "Loyaliteit," or Loyalty, appears almost childlike, dominated by the liberal figure. There's a palpable sense of tension, as if this is an unstable victory. Almost a premonition… like, ‘This isn’t over folks!' Curator: Perhaps Crans felt that the victory of these particular groups wouldn’t necessarily bring stability. He positions these political groups almost on the backs of others. There is definitely some critique laced in here with its depiction of Dutch political battles and historical shifts, don’t you think? Editor: I do. I wonder, though, if Crans isn't also commenting on the very nature of political ideologies. That such grand notions often require stepping on people, ideals and groups to thrive! It's an ambivalent celebration, a win on a wobbly foundation. Curator: Precisely! And that is how this political cartoon captures a pivotal moment of Dutch political landscape! Crans created a rather engaging social commentary of 1871 that is relevant and timeless!