Spotprent op het voorstel van Van Eck om het onderhoud van de Gevangenpoort te schrappen, 1873 1873

This 1873 satirical print by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans, titled "Spotprent op het voorstel van Van Eck om het onderhoud van de Gevangenpoort te schrappen, 1873", portrays a satirical commentary on the proposed demolition of the "Gevangenpoort" (Prison Gate) in Amsterdam. The print depicts two figures, one sweeping the street in front of the gate while the other stands by and observes, likely symbolizing contrasting views on the historic landmark's preservation. The artist's keen use of caricature highlights the political and social dimensions of the debate surrounding the gate's fate, reflecting a critical perspective on the value of historical heritage. This lithograph is a valuable visual document of a historical controversy in the Netherlands and an engaging example of political satire in the art of the 19th century.