Memorial Arch Erected at the Place of Burial of Destroyed Actionists
Anonymous, 1720, Etching and engraving
In a parodic inversion of royal processions through cities decorated with triumphal arches and other glorious symbols, this image depicts a ragtag assortment of duped investors meandering past a monument to dead share traders. At its base, mourners dig a grave for papers printed with bull and bear heads and other signs of stockjobbing. Meanwhile, a magic lanternist tries to entice a group of young boys—tomorrow’s traders—to come closer and feast on his New World illusions. Near the top of the arch, beneath a pair of cornucopias spilling out more worthless paper as well as vases filled with tulips (a reference to Tulipmania), John Law appears in a portrait medallion, smiling and holding up a fishing rod to signify his ability to lure clients.
: Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs
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