An Emblematic Print on the South Sea 1721 - 1800

"An Emblematic Print on the South Sea," an etching by William Hogarth, is a satirical commentary on the South Sea Bubble, a financial crisis that rocked England in the early 18th century. The print depicts a chaotic scene with numerous figures, including those being punished for their greed, while others celebrate their ill-gotten gains. The inscription at the bottom provides further insight into Hogarth's biting critique of the financial and social consequences of the South Sea Bubble. The etching, created between 1721 and 1800, is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.