Spotprent op De Potter en het verlies van zijn populariteit, 1831 1831

This satirical print, made in 1831 by an anonymous artist, tells a story of shifting political favour in Belgium. It's a lithograph, a process that democratized image-making in the 19th century. Look closely, and you’ll see that the image is divided in two. On the left, we see Guillaume de Potter celebrated, riding in a carriage, hailed as a hero. On the right, a mob chases him. The stark contrast captures the fickleness of public opinion. Lithography allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive production, making political commentary like this accessible to a broad audience. The image itself, rendered in shades of gray, carries a powerful message about power, labor and class. The print medium here isn't just a neutral carrier; it is central to the work's purpose, connecting it to wider social and political currents. Ultimately, the significance of this print lies not only in its subject matter, but also in its materiality and mode of production. It's a reminder that art, craft, and social commentary are often deeply intertwined.