Karikaturen rond een werelbol 1809

This is "Karikaturen rond een werelbol" by Daniël Veelwaard, made in the late 18th or early 19th century using etching and watercolor. The artwork is a satirical commentary on the world, and what Veelwaard saw as its various follies. It’s hard not to think about the context in which this piece was made. Veelwaard lived through a tumultuous period marked by revolution and the rise of nationalism. This caricature encapsulates a world teetering on the edge of change. A blindfolded Justice stands precariously with her scales. Bacchus, the god of wine, sits triumphantly atop the globe. Below him lies a chaotic jumble of objects. The whole scene is imbued with a sense of moral critique, as the artist seems to lament the state of society. The use of caricature allows Veelwaard to amplify his critique, turning recognizable figures into symbols of excess, corruption, and ignorance. It’s a reflection of how societal anxieties can be expressed through art, inviting viewers to reflect on their own place in this chaotic world.