Spotprent 1878

This caricature, made by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans in 1878, shows three figures opposing an education law. Notice the hats. These are not mere head coverings, but symbols. The central figure wears a tall, pointed hat, immediately bringing to mind the dunce cap, a symbol of ignorance and ridicule. Historically, pointed hats have been associated with marginalized groups, like the Jews in medieval Europe and, later, witches during the witch hunts, reflecting a deep-seated societal fear and othering. Here, the artist taps into this collective memory, using the hat to mock the figures' opposition. It’s a potent reminder of how symbols evolve, carrying layers of historical baggage that resonate on a subconscious level, manipulating our perceptions and stirring emotions tied to exclusion and mockery. These hats become vessels of cultural memory, engaging viewers in a complex dance of recognition and judgment.