The Industrious 'Prentice Out of his Time and Married to his Master's Daughter (Industry and Idleness, plate 6) 1747

This engraving, made by William Hogarth in 1747, depicts a scene overflowing with symbols of prosperity and moral virtue. Note the celebratory procession, complete with musicians, a stark contrast to the idle apprentice depicted elsewhere in the series. The "West and Goodchild" sign above the door suggests the union of material success and moral rectitude, a powerful emblem of the era's values. The image is framed by a quote from Proverbs, linking the virtuous woman to her husband's success. This echoes motifs of marriage and prosperity found in Renaissance art, where a virtuous wife ensures the continuation of the family line and its fortunes. Such imagery reflects a deeper, collective yearning for order and stability, resonating with the anxieties and aspirations of Hogarth’s London. This symbol of marital virtue, much like the images of deities and heroes in antiquity, is recycled, revealing a cyclical return to archetypes of virtue and success. It powerfully engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level, reminding us of the emotional and psychological power of enduring symbols.