Spotprent op wapententoonstelling te Amsterdam, 1869 1869

This satirical cartoon, "Spotprent op wapententoonstelling te Amsterdam, 1869" by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans, depicts Death surveying an 1869 weapons exhibition in Amsterdam. Standing amongst a variety of rifles, swords, and other weapons, Death holds a skull and crossbones, a symbol of his calling. The artist utilizes dark humor to comment on the widespread fear of death, suggesting that humans are always more concerned with warfare than death itself. The image also reflects Crans' interest in contemporary social issues, capturing the prevailing mood during this period of rapid industrialization and military expansion.