Het nieuw vermaaklyk ganzen spel 1800 - 1850

This is a printed game board, "Het nieuw vermaaklyk ganzenspel," made by Erve Wijsmuller. Its circular layout, reminiscent of labyrinths, invokes a journey with inherent risks and rewards. At its heart, the goose—a symbol of luck and prosperity—guides players through life's unpredictable path. The goose motif appears as early as ancient Egypt, associated with the divine and the journey of the soul. Over time, it resurfaces in medieval folklore as a symbol of domesticity and simple pleasures, then transforms into a marker of festive indulgence. This evolution reflects our shifting desires and anxieties, manifesting in this game as both a beacon and a challenge. Like the albatross of the romantics, each space invites reflection on mortality and fate, tapping into our deep-seated yearning for order in the chaos of existence.