Spotprent 1877

Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans's "Spotprent" is a satirical cartoon from 1877 depicting a submarine with two men submerged in the water. The cartoon uses humor to comment on the political climate of the time, specifically the Netherlands' involvement in the war in the Pacific. This small-scale artwork is a testament to the artist's skill in capturing a complex political situation through a simple yet powerful image. The use of black and white allows the artist to emphasize the absurdity of the situation and effectively conveys the artist's message, drawing the viewer's attention to the political tensions and social commentary embedded within the artwork.