print; satirical print

Please enable JavaScript in your web browser to get the best experience.

Object Type: print; satirical print
Museum number: 1868,0808.9606
Title: Object: Arlequyn Actionist; Series: Het Groote Tafereel der Dwaasheid
Description: Satire on the financial crisis in Paris in 1720: Harlequin and Scaramouche hold back a curtain on either side to shows a view of the rue Quinquempoix. In the background there are fighting stockholders, some of whom pull stock certificates out of each other's backsides. On one of the papers is written 'Viane' Three men stand on a square pedestal, lettered 'Engelse Narre kappen' (English fools' caps), 'Fransche Narre kappen (French fools' caps) and 'Duitsche Narre kappen' (German fools' caps). In the foreground on the right is Mercury imprisoned in a large birdcage, saying 'Ach! Verlost me' (Oh! Release me). A man is pumping air into the cage with bellows. Another man is kneeling at the side of the cage (John Law?). Before him on the ground are dice, cards and conjuror's cups. An ape sits in the centre of the stage with two bags of coins. He is holding a paper with 'Nul' (Zero) on it. 1720 Engraving
School/style
Production date: 1720
Materials
Technique
Dimensions: Height: 241 millimetres; Width: 191 millimetres
$Inscriptions
Curator's comments: Second state of print BM 1868-0808-9625 in the same volume. The festoons in both prints are different, the mice have been replaced by root vegetables. Following the present print is the play of the same name. BM 1868-0808-9626 and 1868-0808-9627 are impressions of the same state of the print, but the latter contains three columns of letterpress below the print. The inscription Viane refers to the saying 'de verliezers worden gezonden naar Vianen en Kuilenburg' or 'naar Vianen en Kuilenburg reizen' (see Comment to 1868,0808.9608).; One of a collection of prints bound together in two volumes c.1721 known as 'Het Groote Tafereel der Dwaasheid'; for more information, see 1868,0808.9602.
Bibliographic references: BM Satires / Catalogue of Political and Personal Satires in the Department of Prints and Drawings in the British Museum (1651); Muller 1863-1882 / De Nederlandsche Geschiedenis in Platen. Beredeneerde Beschrijving van Nederlandsche Historieplaten (3547)
Location: Not on display
Subjects: satire; commerce/finance; commedia dell'arte
Associated names: Representation of: John Law (?); Representation of: Bombario
Associated places: Topographic representation of: Paris
Associated events: Associated Event: Financial Bubbles 1720
Acquisition name
Acquisition date: 1868
Department: Prints and Drawings
Registration number: 1868,0808.9606

Free entry

Opening hours