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New Harmony - All Owin - No payin, 1845 (etching)
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New Harmony - All Owin - No payin, 1845 (etching)
XJF488977 New Harmony - All Owin - No payin, 1845 (etching) by Cruikshank, George (1792-1878); Private Collection; (add.info.: This print satirises the proto-socialist community of New Harmony that was founded by Welshman Robert Owen (1771a'1858) on the Wabash River, Posey County, Indiana, United States in 1825. The larger community lasted only until 1827 at which time smaller communities were formed, which led to further subdivision, until individualism replaced socialism in 1828. New Harmony was dissolved in 1829 due to constant quarrels as parcels of land and property were returned to private use. A bust of Robert Owen is seen in the centre of the image.); English, out of copyright
Media ID 12914999
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Breakdown Cauldron Chaos Experiment Failed Failure Indiana Kitchen Meat Model Rabble Riot Socialist Guzzling New Harmony Owenite Robert Owen
EDITORS COMMENTS
The etching "New Harmony - All Owin - No payin, 1845" by George Cruikshank is a satirical depiction of the failed socialist community of New Harmony. Founded in 1825 by Welshman Robert Owen, this proto-socialist experiment aimed to create an egalitarian society on the Wabash River in Indiana, USA. However, constant quarrels and disputes over land ownership led to its dissolution in 1829. In this chaotic image, we see a bustling kitchen scene with a large cauldron at its center. A bust of Robert Owen looms above as if overseeing the mayhem that ensues below. The print humorously portrays the breakdown of communal living as individuals fight and scramble for food. Cats claw at each other while people guzzle and devour their meals with little regard for order or civility. Cruikshank's cartoonish style adds to the humorous tone of the image, highlighting both the absurdity and failure of Owen's utopian vision. Through his biting satire, he critiques not only New Harmony but also questions larger socialist ideals. This print serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned experiments can unravel when faced with human nature's complexities. It captures a moment frozen in time—a snapshot of a failed social experiment that ultimately succumbed to individualism and private property rights. As an artifact from history, this etching offers us insight into past attempts at societal transformation while reminding us that achieving true equality requires more than just good intentions—it demands careful planning and consideration for human nature's inherent flaws.
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