Benevolence 1792

"Benevolence" is a satirical hand-colored etching created by Samuel Alken in 1792. The print depicts a group of wealthy gentlemen enjoying themselves at a tavern while a poor woman begs for money outside, highlighting the social divide of the time. Alken, known for his humorous and often biting commentary on societal issues, uses this artwork to expose the hypocrisy of the wealthy class. The artwork is now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.