Spotprent over de grondwetsherziening, 1887 1887

This political cartoon was produced in the Netherlands in 1887 by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans. It satirizes the constitutional review of that year and touches on broader questions of national identity and civic responsibility. The image depicts a female figure, presumably an allegory for the Dutch nation, standing guard with a spear and shield bearing the letters "SPQB," a play on the Roman Republic's "SPQR." She is accompanied by a lion, a traditional symbol of Dutch courage and strength. This classical imagery suggests an appeal to historical precedents of liberty and self-governance. The cartoon's inscription, "The people have spoken forcefully, the First Chamber acts," directly references the political debates surrounding the constitutional reforms. Understanding this image fully requires delving into the political history of the late 19th-century Netherlands. Resources such as parliamentary records and period newspapers can shed light on the specific issues and social forces at play. Only then can we fully appreciate the artist's commentary on the social structures of his time.