Johan Coenraad Braakensiek (Amsterdam, 24 May 1858 – Amsterdam, 27 February 1940) was a versatile Dutch illustrator, caricaturist, political cartoonist and painter. He is best remembered as one of the most influential political cartoonists of his time, whose work reached a wide audience and gave colour to the political debate in the Netherlands in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Braakensiek was born into an artistic environment: his father was a book cover designer, which brought Johan into contact with art and craft at an early age. At the age of fifteen he started working at a lithographic company, but he also took lessons at the Rijksacademie van Beeldende Kunsten in Amsterdam. His talent was noticed early on and he developed a sure-fire style that was both detailed and expressive.
From the 1880s onwards, Braakensiek made a name for himself as an illustrator of books, magazines and newspapers. He illustrated the famous children's books of Johann Georg van Caspel and worked on editions of classical Dutch literature. However, he owed his greatest fame to his work as a political cartoonist. From 1886 onwards he made political cartoons and caricatures for the satirical magazine De Amsterdammer, Weekblad voor Nederland and later for De Groene Amsterdammer. With his striking cartoons he gave sharp, sometimes biting commentary on the politics of his time and on social developments. His drawings were loved for their humour, liveliness and critical view.
Braakensiek was also active as a painter. He made paintings of landscapes and cityscapes, but remained best known as a cartoonist and illustrator. His work was highly appreciated by the general public; his political cartoons adorned many living rooms and cafés for years.
Personally, Braakensiek was known as an amiable man with a great sense of humour and a keen eye for people's weaknesses and idiosyncrasies. He remained active into old age and drew almost until his death in 1940. His work has a lasting place in Dutch art and press history, and his drawings provide a vivid picture of political and social life in the Netherlands around 1900.
