Gambling by wireless (1906)

Samuel Ehrhart's 1906 illustration, "Gambling by Wireless," provides a whimsical and satirical look at the interplay between early 20th-century innovations and the timeless human penchant for gambling. At first glance, the viewer is met with a chaotic, colorful scene filled with various groups of people engaged in different forms of betting and stock trading, all connected by the then-novel technology of wireless communication.The painting features a multitude of scenes, each depicting a different aspect of this burgeoning wireless world. On the left, genteel men gather on the deck of a ship, keenly observing stock movements and financial news flowing in through their wireless devices. This contrasts sharply with a central image showing an explosive moment on the stock exchange, a metaphor for the frenzied, sometimes volatile nature of stock trading. The chaotic energy of the stock dealers, depicted in the flurry of papers and animated expressions, captures the tension and excitement of real-time trading influenced by immediate, wireless reports.Further exploration of the painting reveals various playful elements: men on a ship gamble using a wireless service that promises direct updates. Their enthusiastic participation in betting games, despite a clear prohibition of gambling on board, underscores the human desire to bend rules for thrill and profit. The artist cleverly uses the concept of 'wireless' technology as both a physical thread that holds the scene together and as a symbolic link connecting different spaces and people.The rich detail and vibrant colors Ehrhart employs not only bring life to the characters and settings but also accentuate the satire by exaggerating features and emotions.