Mallemolen van de Wereld, 1720 1720

This print titled ‘Mallemolen van de Wereld’ – or ‘The Whirligig of the World’ – was made around 1720 by an anonymous artist, offering a glimpse into the social satire of the Dutch Golden Age. The image depicts a chaotic scene with figures scrambling for falling papers under a rotating structure, alluding to the frenzied pursuit of wealth and status during this era. The artist captures a society fixated on mercantile endeavors, including international trade, with a ship visible in the background, symbolizing both opportunity and the inherent risks of global commerce. The print critiques the superficiality of social hierarchies, where individuals from various classes are equally caught up in the pursuit of fleeting riches. It serves as a cautionary tale against unchecked ambition, reflecting the cultural anxieties of a society grappling with its own rapid economic expansion and moral implications. In its depiction of a world consumed by the pursuit of wealth, the print invites us to reflect on the human condition and the emotional toll of our desires, even today.