The Industrious 'Prentice Grown Rich and Sheriff of London (Industry and Idleness, plate 8)

The Industrious 'Prentice Grown Rich and Sheriff of London (Industry and Idleness, plate 8) by William Hogarth is a powerful example of 18th-century English visual moralizing. Executed in 1747 using the meticulous techniques of etching and engraving, this print belongs to a renowned series of twelve images detailing the divergent fates of two London apprentices: the diligent Thomas Goodchild and the lazy Francis Idle. Hogarth’s detailed sequential narratives were designed to instruct the growing middle class on the virtues of hard work and temperance, reflecting prevailing Georgian-era Protestant ethics. The current impression is identified as the second state of two, reflecting minor revisions made during the production of these popular prints.

This particular plate captures the zenith of Goodchild’s success, depicting his elevation to the influential civic role of Sheriff of London. The setting is a celebratory interior, densely packed with a large crowd of men and women gathered to honor the newly elected official. Hogarth uses the scene to visually contrast the opulence of the civic surroundings with the humble origins implied by the series title. The composition emphasizes Goodchild’s virtuous triumph, surrounded by supporters, symbolizing the reward for diligence and adherence to societal norms.

Hogarth’s masterful morality series cemented his reputation as a key figure in English printmaking. This work, along with the rest of the Industry and Idleness series, remains a crucial artifact for understanding the social structure and moral code of Georgian London. Residing in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this influential print continues to be studied by historians and researchers alike. Due to the age and cultural importance of these compelling eighteenth-century narratives, versions of the images are frequently available within the public domain for research and scholarly access.