Spotprent op de verkiezing van jhr. De Casembroot tot kamerlid, 1866 1866

This is Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans's political cartoon from 1866, made using an engraving. It offers a glimpse into the tumultuous political landscape of the Netherlands at that time. The cartoon is a satire of the election of jonkheer De Casembroot. It embodies the social and political tensions of the time with his policies seemingly causing chaos and division in parliament. You can see this in the image in the reactions of the other politicians being blown about. The ship, armed to the teeth, sailing into what I presume is parliament. I think Crans's work here reflects a broader societal anxiety about political change, and the potential disruption of established power structures. You can read this artwork as a reflection on the emotional rollercoaster of democracy, the moments of hope, fear, and, of course, the ever-present potential for chaos.