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Punishment of the idle in the workhouse of Hamburg, Germany (engraving)
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Punishment of the idle in the workhouse of Hamburg, Germany (engraving)
7172543 Punishment of the idle in the workhouse of Hamburg, Germany (engraving) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Punishment of the idle in the workhouse of Hamburg, Germany, by suspending them in a basket above the dinner table while the industrious eat their meals. Illustration for Middletons Complete System of Geography (1777-80).); © Look and Learn
Media ID 25909572
© Look and Learn / Bridgeman Images
7 Deadly Sins Baskets Castigation Corporal Punishment Cruelty Dinner Hamburg Hunger Hungry Idleness Lazy Poors Precarious Precariousness Punishments Sentence Seven Deadly Sins Sloth Supper Tables Wicker Basket Dine Home Furnishing Mealtime Piece Of Furniture Punishment Upholstered Goods
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This engraving from the 18th century, titled "Punishment of the idle in the workhouse of Hamburg, Germany" offers a glimpse into a harsh reality of that time. The image depicts a scene where those deemed lazy or idle are subjected to an unusual form of punishment. Suspended in baskets above the dinner table, these individuals watch as their more industrious counterparts enjoy their meals. The engraving was created by an English School artist and is part of a private collection. It originally served as an illustration for Middleton's Complete System of Geography, published between 1777 and 1780. This artwork sheds light on societal attitudes towards idleness and highlights the prevailing belief that hard work should be rewarded while laziness must be punished. The composition showcases both men and women who have fallen victim to this castigation method. The hunger evident in their faces emphasizes the cruelty they endure due to their idleness. Poverty and precariousness are also themes present within this piece, reflecting the challenging circumstances faced by many during this era. The use of baskets as a means of punishment adds another layer to this thought-provoking image. It symbolizes not only physical confinement but also social isolation and shame associated with being labeled lazy or slothful. Overall, this engraving serves as a historical document that provides insight into societal norms surrounding labor, poverty, and discipline during 18th-century Germany.
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