Minister Aalberse en de werkgever 1918 - 1925

Editor: This drawing, dating from somewhere between 1918 and 1925, is titled "Minister Aalberse en de werkgever"—roughly, "Minister Aalberse and the Employer." It looks like a political cartoon of some sort. The exaggeration in the faces is intense. What's your interpretation of the rather visceral scene playing out here? Curator: Oh, my! The artist's biting commentary really jumps out, doesn’t it? You have Aalberse practically choking on "Arbeids-wetgeving," Labor Laws, as a representative of employers literally shoves it down his throat. Think about the era—this is post-World War I Netherlands, where labor relations were incredibly tense. I can almost feel the anger seething off the page. What strikes you about the use of line in creating the feeling? Editor: It's all so scratchy and chaotic, especially in the figure of the employer. His hand forcing the labor laws is menacing. Curator: Precisely! The cross-hatching amplifies the feeling of unrest. Look how small the artist has made the politician compared to the 'employer'; even the hat is full with employers ready to join! Aalberse seems overwhelmed. This wasn't meant to be a subtle piece, was it? It looks as though "Orion" made a clever piece of political agitation. Editor: Definitely not! It really does capture a sense of struggle and tension. So, by exaggerating these figures and having the Employer choke Aalberse the message that these labour laws is a step backwards. Curator: Yes, you have it, The stark contrast in line, the pressure and desperation show an artist at loggerheads. Political art in its crudest form! Editor: It really puts a face on historical labor disputes, doesn't it? I'll never think about Dutch labor laws the same way again!