Entreebewijs voor een prentenveiling 1838

This is an entrance ticket printed in 1838 in Dunkerque by Imprimerie de Vanwormhoudt. It grants two people access to an auction of a large quantity of engravings and lithographs. The ticket itself offers an interesting glimpse into the art market of the time. Auctions like this would have been important social and commercial events, shaping the value and circulation of printed images. The text specifies the date, time, and location of the auction, indicating a level of organization and marketing aimed at attracting potential buyers. Note that this event will take place at an old hotel, suggesting that it is a common event. To fully understand this ticket, one might investigate the history of printmaking in 19th-century France, the role of auction houses in the art world, and the social status of those who collected prints and lithographs. Through such research, we can understand the cultural and economic forces that shaped the production and consumption of art in the era.