Triomftocht van de rijkdom 1780 - 1795

Christian von Mechel’s print, "Triumph of Wealth," presents us with a parade of symbols that speak volumes about the values of its time. At its core, the image stages a triumphal procession, echoing those of ancient Roman emperors, but here it's wealth that's being celebrated. Notice the central figure on the chariot—an allegorical representation of Wealth itself—surrounded by figures representing prosperity, abundance and fame. The chariot, often associated with victory and power, now carries the promise of material success. Interestingly, the wheel, a symbol of fortune, reminds us that riches can turn, echoing themes of transience and instability, deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. Consider how such triumphal imagery reappears throughout history, from ancient victory arches to Renaissance processional paintings. Each era adapts and reinterprets these symbols, reflecting changing societal values. Even today, the allure of wealth and status pervades our visual culture, manifesting in advertisements and media. Mechel’s image is not just an 18th-century artifact but a mirror reflecting our ongoing fascination with wealth and its cultural implications.