Spotprent over Billiton-schandaal, 1882 1882

This satirical cartoon by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans, titled "Spotprent over Billiton-schandaal," from 1882, depicts a man stirring a pot with the word "Billiton" on it. Surrounding him are various objects, including a skull, suggesting a connection to death or danger. This political cartoon likely critiques the Billiton scandal, a controversy involving the mining of tin in Indonesia, and the use of forced labor. The style, with its sharp lines and caricatured figures, is typical of 19th-century political cartoons. The caption, "Samiel, Samiel, ercheine!" (Samuel, Samuel, appear!), suggests a connection to the Devil, further emphasizing the corruption and exploitation surrounding the scandal.