Spotprent over de Nederlandse afwezigheid bij de zonsverduistering, 1868 1867

Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans created this print in 1868, a satirical commentary on the Netherlands' absence from observing the solar eclipse. The print subtly critiques Dutch identity and priorities. It features Phaeton, a figure from Greek mythology, searching for shade. Phaeton's mythological narrative—his disastrous attempt to drive the sun chariot—serves as a metaphor for ambition and potential failure, themes that resonate with the Netherlands' reluctance to engage with scientific exploration. The artist uses Phaeton to cleverly allude to Dutch society's perceived shortcomings, as the text at the bottom reads, "A very simple explanation of the solar eclipse of the 18th, so simple that everyone will now understand why the Dutch government did not participate in the investigation". This work invites us to consider the complex interplay between national identity, scientific advancement, and the cultural values that shape a society's engagement with the world.