Belgian Border, Bill of Disorder (Frontiere de Belgique. Billet a Desordre) 1871

"Belgian Border, Bill of Disorder (Frontiere de Belgique. Billet a Desordre)" is an 1871 etching by the Belgian artist Felicien Rops. The work is a satirical commentary on the political climate of the time, using caricature and symbolism to critique the state of affairs. Rops was known for his dark, often provocative style, which was influenced by the symbolism movement. The etching depicts a scene of chaos and disarray, with figures engaged in various acts of absurdity and violence. The artist’s use of stark lines and contrasts emphasizes the themes of disorder and upheaval. The title itself references the political instability and unrest plaguing the region. The work has become a key example of Rops’s artistic style and the sociopolitical satire of the period.