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The Picture of Pattenty, c. 1641-50 (engraving)
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The Picture of Pattenty, c. 1641-50 (engraving)
XJF347912 The Picture of Pattenty, c.1641-50 (engraving) by Hollar, Wenceslaus (1607-77); Private Collection; (add.info.: Who am I, who am I like, what nobody. Sure I m the Picture of Pattenty ; image shows a wolf headed man with screws for legs and hooks for fingers, dragging bags of money around; the figure has various tradable goods about his person, identifying him as a monopolist; devourer of the common wealth; ); Czech, out of copyright
Media ID 12803093
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Beer Business Butter Coal Commonwealth Greed Monopoly Patent Pins Rags Salt Soap Stuart Tobacco Patents
The Picture of Pattenty, c. 1641-50
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a thought-provoking engraving by Wenceslaus Hollar that captures the essence of greed and monopolization during the Stuart era. In this satirical artwork, we are confronted with a wolf-headed man whose legs are replaced by screws and fingers transformed into hooks. He drags bags of money around him, symbolizing his insatiable desire for wealth. The figure's appearance is not coincidental; it represents the monopolist who devours the commonwealth. Various tradable goods surround him, highlighting his role in controlling essential commodities such as coal, beer, salt, wine, rags, soap, pins, cards - all elements necessary for everyday life. Hollar's engraving serves as a scathing critique of those who exploit their power to manipulate markets and accumulate vast fortunes at the expense of others. The image exposes the dark side of business and trade during this period. By depicting this grotesque character with a wolfs head and mechanical limbs reminiscent of an automaton or puppet manipulated by unseen forces behind closed doors - Hollar emphasizes how these individuals operate outside moral boundaries while exerting control over society's resources. "The Picture of Pattenty" challenges us to reflect on historical instances where unchecked greed led to social inequality and economic injustice. It reminds us that even centuries later; we must remain vigilant against those who seek to monopolize industries for personal gain rather than contribute to the common good.
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