Jacob's Ladder 14

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Jacob's Dream (c. 1729) 

Jacob Wrestling with the Angel 25

Salvator Rosa, Jacob Wrestling with the Angel (c. 1660) 

Netherlandish Proverbs 18

"To find the dog in the pot." 

Arriving too late for dinner, to find all the food has been eaten. 

The Basel Dance of Death 21

Matthäus Merian, The Basel Dance of Death: The Abbess (1616) 

"Gracious and pure Lady Abbess, 

How do you have such a small belly? 
Still, I will not hold that against you, 
I would sooner bite myself in the finger." 

"I have read from the Psalter, 
In the choir before the Lord's altar. 
Now no praying will avail me, 
I too must here follow after Death." 

William Hogarth, Industry and Idleness 4

Many of my peers are so on fire with the struggle for social justice, that they feel the need to despise anyone who is rich, condemn all forms of profit, and cry out for the abolition of property itself. They look at me funny when I suggest that it is not money, but the love of money, that is the root of all evil. 

Given my predilection for sticking it to the man, it took me some time to appreciate the difference between affluence and avarice, and I still need to remind myself why worldly success is entirely compatible with good character. Indeed, if we all chose to play our parts with integrity, and refused to be tempted by sleazy shortcuts, then the wonderful scene depicted here would be the rule, and not the exception. 

Hogarth presents us with an example of good business, in the best possible sense of the word. By proving himself worthy of trust, Francis has now been granted a position of authority, gaining control over the weaver's keys. ledger, and cash. This is as it should be, and it reflects well on both the dedication of the apprentice and the fairness of his master. 

The gloves lying on the desk appear as if they are two hands shaking, which is a perfect image for how any honest enterprise should operate. Sadly, we are far too familiar with workers being exploited, which blinds us to the fact that the greatest gains are always the result of friendship and cooperation. A profit is not selfish when it is distributed according to merit instead of privilege. 

Observe the demeanor of the master: he is proud of his achievements, and he is proud of the young man who has worked together with him. Observe the demeanor of the apprentice: he stands with a glorious combination of confidence and reverence. I wish I had a boss like that, who would offer me such familiarity in return for my service. 

In case there is any doubt that things are going well, the man delivering supplies is wearing the livery of the Corporation of London—a government contract is usually a good sign! The calendar hanging by the desk shows an allegory of Industry assaulting Time, for it is within our power to make the most of the moments we are given. 

The standoff between the dog and the cat may represent the contrast between Francis and Thomas, which in turn symbolizes the deeper conflict of diligence and indolence. Though my own preference has always been for cats, I can accept why a stalwart companion is more reliable than a shrieking ball of fur. 

I would humbly suggest that tearing down the free market is not the best solution to inequality. If it is truly free, then all of us will have the opportunity to prove our worth, and there will be no need for resentment and recrimination. I can decide to begin with myself. 

Matthew 25:21 

Well done good and faithful
servant, thou hast been faithful
over a few things, I will make thee
Ruler over many things. 

William Hogarth, Industry and Idleness 4: The Industrious 'Prentice a Favourite, and Entrusted by His Master (1747) 

Storm on the Sea 35

Henry Ossawa Tanner, Ship in a Storm (1879) 

Ruins 25

Hubert Robert, Fantasy Ruins with Fountain and Figures (c. 1780) 

Memento Mori 18

Anonymous Dutch, Memento Mori (c. 1530) 

Vanitas 103

Damien L'homme, Vanitas (1641) 

Songs of Innocence 15

Spring (1789) 

William Blake (1757-1827) 

Sound the Flute!
Now it's mute.
Birds delight
Day and Night.
Nightingale
In the dale
Lark in Sky
Merrily
Merrily Merrily to welcome in the Year.

Little Boy
Full of joy.
Little Girl
Sweet and small,
Cock does crow
So do you.
Merry voice
Infant noise
Merrily Merrily to welcome in the Year. 

Little Lamb
Here I am,
Come and lick
My white neck.
Let me pull
Your soft Wool.
Let me kiss
Your soft face.
Merrily Merrily we welcome in the Year. 

Hans Thoma, The Life of Christ

Hans Thoma, The Life of Christ (c. 1909) 

The Nativity / The Annunciation to the Shepherds / The Three Kings / The Rest on the Flight to Egypt 

The Temptation of Christ / The Sermon on the Mount / The Mount of Olives / The Crucifixion 

Hell / The Resurrection / The Blessed 

Hans Thoma, The Planets

Hans Thoma, The Planets (c. 1908) 

The Sun / Mercury / Venus / The Moon / Mars / Jupiter / Saturn 

Hans Thoma, The Months

Hans Thoma, The Months (c. 1908) 

Jacob's Ladder 13

Domenico Fetti, Jacob's Dream (1613) 

Jacob Wrestling with the Angel 24

Alessandro Magnasco, Jacob Wrestling with the Angel (c. 1730) 

The Four Temperaments

Adriaen Collaert, The Four Temperaments (1583) 

The Four Elements

Adriaen Collaert, The Four Elements (c. 1584)