The Lottery Ticket 1815 - 1816

This print, made by J.F. Clemens, depicts a scene of economic and social decline; the title translates from Danish as ‘The Decadence.’ It presents a stark commentary on the social structures of its time. In the image, we see wealth being exchanged on the left for family heirlooms, while on the right, two men hold back a man with a lottery ticket in his hand. This contrast encapsulates the dangers of idleness and the allure of quick riches, cautioning against the pursuit of wealth through gambling. Produced in late 18th-century Denmark, it reflects anxieties around emerging capitalist practices and their potential to disrupt traditional social hierarchies. The print serves as a moral lesson, warning against the vices that can lead to ruin. The Danish title suggests that indolence and inactivity lead to desire and vice. To fully understand the image, we would delve into the economic policies and social mores of 18th-century Denmark, using resources such as period literature and economic records. By understanding its original setting, we will understand that art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.