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Benefits of a plentiful harvest, 1813. Artist
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Benefits of a plentiful harvest, 1813. Artist
Benefits of a plentiful harvest, 1813. Lord Mayor Scholey sitting enthroned and pointing to a pair of scales where a loaf is much lighter than the prescribed weight. On his right is a starving family; on his left are Corporation notables - William Curtis, Quin and Matthew Wood. This is a satire on the Corporations involvement in fixing the price of bread
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Media ID 15178714
© London Metropolitan Archives (City of London) / Heritage-Images
Alderman Alderman Of London Bread C Williams Corporation Of London Curtis Hunger Hungry Lord Mayor Of London Matthew Matthew Wood Pleading Ragged Rags Scales Sir Matthew Sir Matthew Wood Sir William Sir William Curtis Starving Throne Weighing William Curtis Williams George Scholey
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this satirical print titled "Benefits of a Plentiful Harvest, 1813" we are transported back to 19th century Britain, where the artist cleverly criticizes the Corporation's involvement in fixing the price of bread. Lord Mayor Scholey sits enthroned and points to a pair of scales, revealing that a loaf is much lighter than the prescribed weight. To his right stands a destitute family, their hunger evident in their pleading eyes and ragged clothing. On his left stand notable members of the Corporation - William Curtis, Quin, and Matthew Wood. The scene captures the stark contrast between those who suffer from poverty and starvation on one side while others exploit their power for personal gain on the other. The artist employs caricature and cartoon-like elements to emphasize this social commentary. Through vivid colors and intricate details in costume design, we witness an English society grappling with issues such as food scarcity and inequality during that era. This thought-provoking image serves as a reminder of how greed can overshadow compassion within institutions meant to serve all citizens. Preserved at Guildhall Library and Art Gallery, this historical artwork invites us to reflect upon our own societal structures today – urging us not only to recognize past injustices but also to strive for fairness in our present world.
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