Spotprent met de eeuwig wandelende Jood, 1887 1887

This political cartoon, ‘Spotprent met de eeuwig wandelende Jood,’ was created in 1887 by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans using lithography. The printmaking technique involves drawing with a greasy crayon on a stone, then treating it with acid, and finally printing from the flat surface. It’s a means of production that allows for relatively quick and easy reproduction, well-suited to the rapid-fire world of political commentary. Here, the artist uses the stark contrast of black ink on white paper to deliver a clear message, drawing the viewer's eye to the figure of the "wandering Jew," a mythical figure condemned to roam the earth. The lettering in the undergrowth ties directly to debates about education and religion that were prominent at the time. In this way, we can see how the materiality of the print – its accessibility and reproducibility – is directly tied to the work's social purpose. The lithographic print democratizes the image, spreading political opinion widely and quickly, a far cry from unique, precious artworks.