The Industrious 'Prentice Lord Mayor of London: Industry and Idleness, plate 12 1747

This engraving, "The Industrious 'Prentice Lord Mayor of London: Industry and Idleness, plate 12", is part of William Hogarth's series "Industry and Idleness" created in 1747. The series of eight engravings depicts the contrasting lives of two young apprentices, one industrious and the other idle. The scene shown here is a celebration of the industrious apprentice's success as Lord Mayor of London. The detail of the engraving is incredibly intricate, capturing the bustling atmosphere of the event, complete with a bustling crowd, a ceremonial procession, and a grand carriage. The use of line and shading creates a sense of depth and realism. The image offers a glimpse into 18th-century London life and its social hierarchy. Hogarth's series remains a powerful commentary on the virtues of hard work and the consequences of idleness.