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A Satire on the South Sea Company, 1721. Artist: William Hogarth
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A Satire on the South Sea Company, 1721. Artist: William Hogarth
A Satire on the South Sea Company, 1721. The South Sea Bubble (1711-1720), showing greed and speculation which preceded the bubble. Get rich quick speculators are shown on the merry go round, while on the ground Honour and Honesty are flogged by Self Interest and Villainy. Illustration from Social Caricature in the Eighteenth Century... With over two hundred illustrations by George Paston [pseudonym of Emily Morse Symonds], (London, 1905)
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Media ID 14917367
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Emily Morse Emily Morse Symonds George Paston Greed Guild Hogarth Honesty Honour Livery Company Paston Self Interest South Sea Bubble South Sea Company Speculation Symonds W Hogarth William Hogarth Villainy
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A Satire on the South Sea Company, 1721
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating and thought-provoking print by renowned artist William Hogarth. Created in the 18th century, this artwork offers a scathing critique of the greed and speculation that led to the infamous South Sea Bubble. In this monochrome black and white illustration, Hogarth skillfully depicts a scene filled with symbolism and allegory. The central focus is on a merry-go-round, where get-rich-quick speculators are shown eagerly riding along. This represents their blind pursuit of wealth without considering the consequences or ethical implications. Meanwhile, on the ground below, we witness an unsettling contrast. Honour and Honesty personified are being mercilessly flogged by Self Interest and Villainy. This stark juxtaposition highlights how these virtues were disregarded during this period of financial frenzy. Through his artistry, Hogarth exposes not only the individuals involved but also criticizes larger institutions like livery companies for their role in promoting such speculative ventures. This print serves as a reminder of how human nature can be swayed by greed and self-interest when it comes to matters of finance and politics. It stands as both a historical document capturing an important moment in British history –the South Sea Bubble– as well as a timeless commentary on our society's ongoing struggle with integrity versus personal gain. The work was included in "Social Caricature in the Eighteenth Century" published under George Paston's pseudonym Emily Morse Symonds in 190
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