"Emblematical print on the South Sea Scheme"

In 1720, vast numbers of middle-class investors were tempted to make quick money through absurd speculations

The governement had sponsored the South Sea company, which put investors' funds into dubious, indeed, ridiculous projects

Corporate corruption was rife and when the bubble burst, it cost many people their savings, estates and honour

Notice the human wheel of fortune, broken and symbolizing the abandonment of values for quick money, topped by a goat and the slogan "Who'l Ride"

To the left, a winged devil with a scythe, throws chunks of Fortune's body to the grasping crowd

A Protestant, Catholic and a Jew gamble whilst Honesty is broken on the wheel of Self-Interest

In the lower right hand corner, Trade, lies starving to death

Of course, nothing like that could happen today ...

Happy New year !!