The Fruits of Early Industry & Oeconomy

‘The Fruits of early Industry & Oeconomy’ is a coloured mezzotint which had a companion print called ‘The Effects of Youthful Extravagance &Idleness’, both painted in 1789 which present the contrasting fortunes of those who work hard and those who do not. The text reads: "Lo here, what ease, what elegance you see/ The just reward of youthfull Industry/ The happy grandsire looks thro' all his race /Where well earn'd plenty brightens every face/ The beauteous Daughter school’d invites love/ Now gives th'example she receiv'd before /While her fond husbond train'd to fair ness/ Sees future laurels his brave offspring crown." They are similar to the William Hogarth series called 'The Idle and Industrious Apprentice'. George Morland the artist was a prolific painter, producing more than 4000 works during his career. His brother-in-law, William Ward, engraved many of his paintings.

In the print two men work at a table by a window overlooking a busy wharf with goods unloading. This is referencing the extensive trade networks which are personified by the black servant in the standard pose of offering a basket of flowers to the well-dressed lady. Behind her hanging on the wall, to prevent any doubt is a painting of a large gracious house.The black servant was a sign of great social status during this period.