Geldzaken en grammatica 1768 - 1771

This print, "Geldzaken en grammatica," was created by Jean Charles Delafosse in the 18th century. The bottom register depicts a fox and a caduceus. The fox, often associated with cunning and deceit, here embodies a critical eye towards monetary affairs. The caduceus, a staff with intertwined snakes, is an ancient symbol of commerce. Notice how this symbol, originating with Hermes in Greek mythology, has journeyed through time, appearing in various forms, from ancient trade routes to modern medical emblems. The image taps into our collective memory, evoking the primordial human drive for exchange. This primal urge, deeply embedded in the psyche, resurfaces continuously in cultural expressions. The fox’s critical stance might suggest society's inherent ambivalence towards wealth, a tension that continues to shape our economic and moral landscapes. It reminds us that the symbols we use and the meanings we attach to them are constantly being renegotiated.