Spotprent over de wijzigingen in de grondwet in 1887 1887

Jan Holswilder created this print in 1887, capturing the Dutch sentiment around constitutional reform. The most striking symbol here is the bag overflowing with coins, a clear representation of wealth. The meaning of this symbol echoes through the ages. In ancient times, overflowing coffers signified prosperity and divine favor, as seen in Roman cornucopia imagery. Here, though, the overflowing bag, combined with the haggling figures, suggests anxiety about how these resources are being distributed through the process of constitutional reform. The tension between the figures also resonates deeply. One hunches over the table while the other stands tall, their postures revealing power dynamics. Such gestures can be traced back to ancient Egyptian art, where the pharaoh always stands erect. They seem to surface in our collective memory, subconsciously influencing our perception of authority and submission. Symbols like these remind us that images are not bound by time. They evolve, resurface, and take on new meanings, always reflecting the complex tapestry of human experience.