Luilekkerland 1848 - 1881

This color print titled 'Luilekkerland', was made by Lutkie & Cranenburg. The dominant motif is a cornucopia of food: landscapes where cooked birds fly directly into one's mouth, houses are roofed with cakes, and fountains flow with wine. The idea of a 'land of plenty' is ancient, appearing in Greek and Roman myths as a place where life is effortless, and desire is immediately gratified. This reflects a deep-seated human fantasy, a yearning for a state of abundance and ease, free from the burdens of labor and scarcity. In medieval times, similar themes appeared in peasant festivals, where hierarchies were inverted, and the normal rules of society were suspended. The image reflects a powerful psychological desire for a world without want. This collective dream has resurfaced repeatedly throughout history, shifting in its specifics but always reflecting a basic human longing for ease and pleasure.