The first drawing in a series of twelve on modern morals, a tradition established earlier in the 18th century by artists such as William Hogarth. In this series, twin brothers are bestowed an equal fortune. One brother, Edward, husbands his wealth and on his death, passes on his fortune; whilst the other brother, Charles, squanders his, leaving his family destitute and In this first drawing, blind Fortune stands on a wheel with large bags in each hand. The brother on the left, Edward, kneels as he accepts the gift from Fortune. Behind him in the mid-distance a couple is shown depositing coins in the hat of a beggar while in the far distance is a church. The brother on the right, Charles, stands arrogantly with his left hand on his hip as he accepts his good fortune. On the right in the mid-distance a couple is shown riding in an elegant carriage; in the distance is a large house with grain (?) pouring from the loft unattended
Description:
Title from pencil notes below image., Text in faint pencil above image: Twelve prints representing the contrast between virtuous harmony and vicious extravagance., Signed "Dodd" in lower left and numbered '1' in ink in the upper right., Date range based on artist's active dates., and For further information, consult library staff.
Subject (Topic):
Fortune, Allegorical drawings, Brothers, Parables, and Wealth