Jozef II als een aap op een kreeft 1787 - 1790

This print, made by an anonymous artist, presents a satirical image of Joseph II riding a giant lobster. It offers a glimpse into the political discourse of the time. Likely created during Joseph II’s reign as Holy Roman Emperor in the late 18th century, the image uses caricature to critique the emperor. Here, we see an ape figure that signifies Joseph, emphasizing the animalistic or absurd nature that the artist attributes to the emperor's actions. This would have been a period of significant social and political upheaval, when Enlightenment ideals began to question traditional forms of authority. The architecture in the image also provides context. This is a prime example of art being used as a tool for social commentary. Historians can research the policies and public sentiments of the time to better understand the artist’s perspective and message. Analyzing such images helps us understand art's role in shaping and reflecting social values.