Loterij van de VOC, 1785 1785

This engraving, titled "Loterij van de VOC, 1785," by an anonymous artist, captures the scene of a lottery drawing held in Amsterdam in 1785. The engraving depicts a room with a large wheel, likely used to draw the winning numbers, surrounded by individuals who have gathered to witness the event. The inscription at the bottom provides details of the event, noting that it is a lottery of the Dutch East India Company ("O.I. Comp.") held in the hall above the riding arena ("de Manege") in Amsterdam. This artwork offers a glimpse into the social and economic practices of 18th-century Dutch society, where lotteries were a popular form of fundraising and entertainment. The engraving's detail and composition provide valuable insight into the historical context and the specific activities that took place in this lottery drawing.