Spotprent op de richting van de spoorweg bij Den Haag, 1860 1860

This print by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans, dating from 1860, is deceptively simple. Rendered in ink, the artist depicts a stork—the symbol of The Hague—caught in a railway track. The choice of ink and printmaking is significant here, as these processes allowed for mass production and distribution of images. Notice how the stork, usually a symbol of prosperity and new life, is now entangled and seemingly mournful. The railway tracks, depicted with stark lines, represent the relentless march of industrial progress. The railways facilitated the exploitation of resources and the transportation of goods, often at the expense of the environment and traditional ways of life. Crans's choice of subject isn't just about aesthetics; it's a commentary on the social and cultural shifts happening around him, a disruption of older, slower rhythms. The print invites us to consider how technological advancements impact our sense of place, identity, and connection to the natural world. It reminds us that progress always comes at a cost, prompting reflection on what is gained and what is lost.