De politie tegen den arme 1898

Joan Robbers created this sketch titled 'De politie tegen den arme', or 'The Police Against the Poor', expressing views on social inequality. The image depicts a confrontation in what appears to be the Netherlands. Police officers are shown manhandling a civilian. It's a raw portrayal of power dynamics, reflecting social tensions of the time. The artist uses line and form to convey the aggression of the officers and the vulnerability of the civilian, highlighting a critique of authority. The title further underlines the image’s socio-political intent. To fully understand this work, we need to consider the social and political context in which it was produced. Historical archives, period newspapers, and studies on the history of policing and poverty are essential tools. By understanding the institutional framework, we can interpret this sketch as a challenge to established power structures.