Antique Satire Print on the South Sea Bubble (1720)

Description: Antique print titled 'Des Kladpapieren Waerelds vuur in as verkeerd'. 'The world of waste paper is burned to ashes', a satire on the South Sea Bubble. The oval central image shows a group containing kings, churchmen, rich and poor surrounding a globe. The four corner images are: (TL) the death of Adonis; (TR) the death of Bacchus; (BL) King Midas sitting at a table with his food turning into gold; and (BR) a rich man sitting with his valuables on a table as a skeletal Death takes his hand. This print originates from 'Het Groote Tafereel der Dwaasheid', a collection of satires on financial bubbles. Published 1720. 

Artists and Engravers: Anonymous.