Industrious 'Prentice Performing Duties of Christian 

William Hogarth made this ink drawing, "Industrious 'Prentice Performing Duties of Christian," during the 18th century. Hogarth was preoccupied with the moral fabric of London society, and he often used his art to critique social behaviours and institutions. In this piece, we see a crowded church scene, likely in England. The architecture is reminiscent of Christopher Wren’s designs, which were fashionable after the Great Fire of London. The composition is designed to emphasize the social hierarchy, with wealthy patrons in private pews and the working class gathered below. The ‘prentice, or apprentice, is shown here diligently attending to his religious duties, a sign of good moral character in the Protestant work ethic. Hogarth was deeply invested in the idea of art serving a public role and he challenged the elite art institutions of his day. Scholars have analyzed his engravings, paintings, and drawings alongside period documents, sermons, and conduct manuals to understand his social commentary. Art like this reflects the complex interplay between personal morality and the public sphere.