Satire op de kunstveiling c. 1730 - 1735

"Satire op de kunstveiling" (c. 1730 - 1735) by William Henry Toms is a satirical etching that humorously critiques the art auction scene in 18th-century England. The print depicts a crowded auction room filled with grotesque figures representing various types of art buyers and sellers. The scene is chaotic, with figures jostling for position and bidding wildly on artworks. The artist utilizes animalistic features and exaggerated poses to mock the greed and hypocrisy of the art market. The print is a testament to the artist's keen observation of human behavior and his ability to express it through a biting and humorous style, making it a valuable example of satirical art from the period.