Oude man met munten gezeten aan een tafel 1851

This print was made by Antoine Marie Eusèbe Voncken in 1851. It depicts an old man sitting at a table, absorbed by the coins in front of him. This image, titled 'L'Amour de l'Or,' or 'The Love of Gold,' invites us to consider the social and economic anxieties of 19th-century Europe. Voncken's portrayal reflects a society grappling with rapid industrialization and the rise of capitalism. The man's isolation, emphasized by the dimly lit, prison-like setting, speaks to the potential alienation and moral corruption that were often associated with the relentless pursuit of wealth. The image invokes art institutions by its display at the Salon of 1851, a state-sponsored exhibition where artists could gain recognition and patronage. To fully understand Voncken's work, we might explore sources like Salon catalogues, contemporary economic treatises, and social commentaries, allowing us to appreciate the complex interplay between art, society, and the changing landscape of 19th-century Europe.