Spotprent op het blaadje Saturdags Kroegpraatje, 1786 1786

This satirical print from 1786, created by an anonymous artist and held at the Rijksmuseum, throws us into the raucous world of Dutch politics. The scene captures "Kees and Piet" deep in conversation at a tavern. Yet it's more than just a casual meeting. They’re concocting what the text describes as "lies" under the guise of freedom, aiming to undermine the foundations of the land. These figures and the people they represent are likened to a destructive crocodile, a symbol of death, spreading their falsehoods across the Netherlands. There's a potent critique here of those who manipulate ideas of freedom to mask ulterior motives. The print reflects the anxieties around political discourse and manipulation, the spread of misinformation, and its impact on society. Ultimately, it provokes reflection on the responsibilities that come with freedom and the potential consequences of its abuse.