Luilekkerland / Pays de cocagne 1833 - 1911

"Luilekkerland / Pays de cocagne" was made by Brepols & Dierckx Zoon, though we don't know exactly when. This print presents a land of leisure, a topsy-turvy world where the normal rules of labor and social order are upended. These cartoon-like images, with their accompanying text in both Dutch and French, offer a glimpse into a society grappling with its own values and desires. The scenes depict figures indulging in food, drink, and idleness, mocking traditional virtues like hard work and thrift. This imagery can be read as a form of social commentary, reflecting anxieties about social mobility, class, and the changing economic landscape. The choice to include both Dutch and French text points to the complex cultural and linguistic identities of the region, and the intended audience for these playful critiques. The print invites us to consider how societies construct notions of work, leisure, and the ‘good life’ and what happens when those values are questioned or subverted. It offers not just a humorous escape, but also a mirror reflecting our own desires, anxieties, and social norms.