The Tempter (Punch, November 27, 1886) 1886

"The Tempter" is a satirical cartoon by Sir John Tenniel, created in 1886 for the British satirical magazine "Punch." The illustration depicts a skeletal figure, representing anarchy, tempting a weary worker with the promise of an easier life. Tenniel's stark black and white imagery, combined with the caption, "WHAT! NO WORK! COME AND ENLIST WITH ME-I’LL FIND WORK FOR YOU!!!" conveys a social commentary on the realities of work and the seductive allure of rebellion during a time of industrial unrest. This satirical cartoon exemplifies Tenniel's keen understanding of the political and social issues of his time, which he masterfully incorporated into his art.