Handkerchief

Dateca. 1775

MediumCopperplate-printed linen

Dimensions27" X 30"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1950-104

DescriptionAlmost square handkerchief of white linen printed in blue. Central allegorical scene of an angel and two children within a border of varied flowers and a scroll reading "Frugality and Industry is the Hands of Fortune". Surrounding it are 12 scenes illustrating the career of the good and bad servants, William Goodchild and Jack Idle. At top, a cartouche with the words "Industry and Idleness Rewarded"; below, scenes illustrating "Trade and Commerce" and "Transportation"; on each side, a conventionalized flower band within lace-like borders.
Label TextThis large handkerchief was printed with moralistic scenes of industrious and lazy servants named William Goodchild and Jack Idle. The vignettes are excellent sources for studying the dress of workingmen. At bottom right, a convict servant in jacket and trousers works alongside slaves in the tobacco field.

The handkerchief was printed with an engraved copper plate using the technique of “China blue.”
ProvenanceNot known.