Spotprent met Heemskerk op de wip, 1884 1884

Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans's satirical cartoon, *Spotprent met Heemskerk op de wip* (1884), depicts a political caricature using the image of a seesaw. It is a critical commentary on the Dutch political landscape in 1884, specifically targeting the government and its relationship with the parliamentary majority. This artwork serves as a visual allegory, employing symbolic representation and humor to convey its message about political balance. Through this satirical illustration, the artist critiques the power dynamics and the instability of the political system. The drawing's title, which translates to "Caricature with Heemskerk on the Seesaw," directly references the central figure of the political satire, Minister Heemskerk, who is depicted on one side of the seesaw. The title and the image combined create a clear message about the precarious nature of political power and the delicate balance between different factions in the parliament.