Spotprent op het ontwerp voor het paleis der Staten-Generaal, 1865 1865

This 1865 lithograph by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans depicts a satirical scene of men gathered in a construction site. The caption below reads "They work ahead of schedule on their own house, and leave the building of their own house in the ditch" which suggests the men are being irresponsible with their duties. The title, "Spotprent op het ontwerp voor het paleis der Staten-Generaal", suggests a political cartoon referencing the building of the Dutch Parliament. This piece uses simple linework, capturing the hurried, unfinished feel of the sketch. The artist's signature and the date, 1865, appear in the top left corner.