Het verdorde en stervende actieboompje, 1720 1697 - 1720

This print, created around 1720 by Pieter van den Berge, showcases a withered "action tree," a symbolic representation of speculative investments gone sour. Central to the image is the dying tree, framed within an elaborate cartouche adorned with putti. Note the contrast between the tree's lifeless branches and the cherubic figures that surround it, a stark visual juxtaposition highlighting loss and decay. Such imagery taps into a long tradition of memento mori, reminding viewers of the transience of life and earthly pursuits. Interestingly, the motif of a tree to symbolize life or lineage dates back to ancient cultures, from the Tree of Life in Mesopotamian art to the genealogical trees of medieval Europe. Here, however, the tree's desiccation serves as a potent commentary on the ephemeral nature of financial speculation. Like the alchemists of old, the investors' dreams of turning base metal into gold are dashed. The emotional impact of the image lies in its ability to engage viewers on a subconscious level, stirring a mix of schadenfreude and caution. Observe how this symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.