Reception of the Address on the Treaty of Antwerp, 26 September 1860

This wood engraving depicts a formal diplomatic scene: two officials on the left receive a handshake from a bearded statesman while six others observe. The print commemorates the presentation of an official address regarding the Treaty of Antwerp during what was called the "Great Tuesday" of 1860—a moment of Dutch political negotiation.

The work exemplifies 19th-century satirical prints descended from Gillray and Rowlandson: sharp linear hatching defines form, facial features are individualized yet exaggerated, and the composition uses spatial arrangement to convey hierarchy and tension. The text at bottom quotes Dutch dialogue, anchoring the image in local political discourse.

Such prints served as newspapers for the literate public, offering commentary on state affairs through character study and bodily language rather than explicit captions.