Het nieuwe vermaakelijke Lui-lekker land 1787 - 1822

This print, titled "The New Amusing Land of Cockaigne," was made by Jan Hendrik de Lange. Look at how each little vignette overflows with symbols of abundance and ease. This is the mythical land of Cockaigne, a place where all desires are instantly gratified. Observe the roasted pigs wandering about with knives in their backs, ready to be carved, or the rain of birds flying directly into people's mouths, evoking the effortless satisfaction of every appetite. We see echoes of this paradise in earlier depictions of the Garden of Eden or later utopian visions. Yet, unlike Eden, Cockaigne is not about spiritual purity but earthly indulgence. The image subtly engages with our deepest desires and anxieties, tapping into a collective longing for a world without work or want. The abundance might even appear overwhelming or grotesque, arousing in the viewer a mix of longing and repulsion. This reflects a deeper cultural ambivalence toward pleasure and excess. Ultimately, the symbols of Cockaigne persist because they represent an enduring fantasy, continuously re-emerging in new forms across time, reflecting our ever-evolving desires and fears.