Contrast tussen relatie van Amsterdamse politie met burgers in 1891 en 1898 - Petrus van Geldorp

A satirical political cartoon by Petrus van Geldorp contrasting the violent police-citizen relations of 1891 with the public order of 1898.

This political cartoon by Petrus van Geldorp, published as a supplement to the Amsterdamsche Courant on 22 September 1898, provides a visual commentary on the shifting dynamics between the Amsterdam police force and the public. The work is divided into two distinct panels, contrasting the social climate of 1891 with that of 1898.

The upper panel depicts the violent unrest of 1891, specifically referencing the 'Palingoproer' or Eel Riots. The scene is chaotic, showing police officers using batons against citizens. The atmosphere is one of confrontation and physical struggle, reflecting the tension between the authorities and the working class during that period.

In contrast, the lower panel illustrates the situation in 1898. The tone is markedly different, showing a scene of order and public support. A figure representing the city of Amsterdam, accompanied by a lion, stands alongside police officers who are greeted by cheering crowds. One individual holds a sign reading 'Leve de Politie' (Long live the police). This shift in public perception is captured through the artist's use of caricature and expressive line work.

Van Geldorp, a Dutch illustrator known for his contributions to various periodicals, employs a clear, narrative style typical of late nineteenth-century satirical prints. The work functions as a historical document, capturing the specific political anxieties and public sentiments of the time. By juxtaposing these two moments, the artist invites the viewer to consider the rapid changes in civic order and the relationship between the state and its inhabitants at the turn of the century. The print remains a valuable piece for those interested in Dutch social history and the development of political graphic arts.