Spotprent op verouderde instellingen zoals de boogschutterijen, 1860 1860

Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans's satirical print "Spotprent op verouderde instellingen zoals de boogschutterijen" from 1860, depicts a group of men in traditional Dutch garb marching with bows and arrows. The caption translates to "How a large part of the Dutch people prepared for national defense in the 19th century (of course after Christ)." Crans's drawing humorously critiques the outdated practice of archery as a means of national defense, a commentary on the evolving social and military landscapes of 19th-century Netherlands. This small-scale print (215mm x 275mm) highlights the artist's keen observation of social customs and his penchant for satire, a hallmark of his work during his active career from 1830 to 1907.