Industry and Idleness, plate 8

William Hogarth (1697 - 1764)

RA Collection: Art

The eighth plate of William Hogarth's series of twelve prints Industry and Idleness, which the artist 'calculated for the use & Instruction of youth'. The set shows the consequences in later life of the contrasting behaviours of two apprentices in the same weaver's workshop, with each scene accompanied by scriptural passages (mostly from Proverbs). With this set Hogarth wanted to appeal to the market for popular prints rather than an exclusive, high-end audience (as in the case of Marriage A-la-Mode, published shortly before), and printed impressions on cheap paper for sale at all of London's print shops. The original plates are now in the Thomas Ross Collection, England.

This plate, 'The Industrious 'Prentice Grown Rich and Sheriff of London', shows the Goodchild rising in wealth and influence, taking part in a feast with other dignitaries. Paulson notes that the setting may be the banqueting hall in the Guildhall, although the statue of Sir William Walworth (depicted in a niche to draw a parallel between him and Goodchild) was in the hall of the Fishmongers' Company.