Satirical print/Spotprent “Bold Jack! Pray, what’s the business to-day?”, etching with printed text.
Satirical print Europe in her present disordered state/Het tegenwooridg verward EUropa. Published in Holland, about 1780. Dominating the cener of the print is a large chest suspended on a chain from the horn of a unicorn, whose head and torso emerge from a cloud formation. The chest serves as a symbolic scale weighted against an obese Englishman who is about to fall to the ground. His balance is further jeopardized by a Frenchman on the ground who tugs on his leg while an Indian child, America, pushes the man closer to the Edge. Behind France an injured Spaniard with a crutch is unable to provide aid. Only a Dutchman, shown on the other side of the chest, prevents total collapse as he holds the leg of the slipping Englishman, meanwhile discussing the situation with another merchant who has an account book. Scattered around the two men are objects representing Dutch trade: cheese, textiles, gold and so forth – that cannot be exported. To the rear a pastoral scene further suggests the importance of farm products in Holland’s economic life. Two verses, one in English, one in Dutch, further comment on the problem:
Bold, Jack! pray, what’s the business to-day? and Hoezee! tienduizendmaal! van dikhout zaagt men deelen.
SKU: 65797
Etching and letterpress text under etching, total: 260 x 230 mm, plate mark: 150 x 215 mm. One diagonal fold on the left side of the etchings, some brown spots, further in good condition. F. Muller 4371A.
€ 151,25 (€ 125,00 ex. btw)