Spotprent op de toestand in Europa, 1786 Possibly 1786

This is *Sketch of Politicks in Europe*, a print made in 1786 by the British artist Thomas Rowlandson. He uses etching to draw a cartoon of the political climate in Europe. This piece emerged in an era marked by shifting alliances and rivalries among European powers. Rowlandson critiques the complex web of political relationships through caricature. Each figure represents a different nation or region. Gender and identity are performed here: each is presented as a specific kind of political actor, with individual desires and flaws. The artist suggests how these characters interact within a broader European power dynamic, seemingly driven by self-interest. In the foreground, we see figures grappling, perhaps symbolizing the struggles and conflicts between nations. Rowlandson suggests that underneath the veneer of diplomacy and alliances, there’s a chaotic and competitive struggle for dominance. He encourages viewers to reflect on the human cost of political maneuvering, as well as the instability inherent in seeking power.