Industry and idleness

WILLIAM HOGARTH (1697-1764)

Twelve prints (complete series):

–The two apprentices at their looms.

-The industrious apprentice fulfilling the duty of a Christian.

-The lazy apprentice playing in the churchyard while the service is being celebrated.

-The industrious apprentice, the favorite and chosen by his employer.

-The lazy apprentice is dismissed and goes to sea.

-The industrious apprentice, having completed his training, marries his employer’s daughter.

-The lazy apprentice, after his return from the sea, a common prostitute.

-The industrious apprentice becomes rich and is named sheriff of London.

-The lazy apprentice, betrayed by the prostitute and caught in a cellar with his accomplice.

-The lazy apprentice, accused by his accomplice, is tried by the industrious apprentice, alderman of London.

-The lazy apprentice, executed at Tyburn.

-The industrious apprentice, appointed mayor of London.

England, 1747.

Edition by John and Joshia Boydell, 1790-1810.

Etching and burin on vellum paper.

Good state of preservation. Some of the prints have fair margins. Good printing. Framed.