Spotprent op de minister van Buitenlandse Zaken Van der Maesen de Sombreff, 1862 1862

Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans's 1862 satirical cartoon "Spotprent op de minister van Buitenlandse Zaken Van der Maesen de Sombreff" depicts a caricature of a man, possibly a politician, attempting to steer a ship through choppy waters. The ship, labeled "Tractaat" (treaty) is sinking. The man, holding a weapon and wearing a sign reading "Buitenlandsch Zaken" (foreign affairs), appears to be struggling with the task. This political cartoon offers a critical commentary on foreign policy, particularly the challenges of maintaining international relationships. The artwork's use of caricature and symbolism is indicative of the satirical nature of 19th-century Dutch political cartoons.