The Lottery 1721

"The Lottery" is an engraving created by William Hogarth in 1721. The artwork satirizes the South Sea Bubble, a financial crisis that occurred in England at the time. Hogarth depicts a scene of chaos and desperation, with people clamoring for tickets in a lottery that promises riches. In the foreground, figures representing various vices such as "Folly," "Fraud," and "Sloth" prey on the vulnerable and desperate. The artwork highlights the folly of blind hope and greed, reminding viewers of the dangers of speculation and the potential for societal collapse. The engraving offers a scathing commentary on human behavior and serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of gambling and financial risk.