Social Contract Collection

John Locke, English philosopher (engraving)
3646855 John Locke, English philosopher (engraving) by Kneller, Godfrey (1646-1723) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: John Locke (1632-1704), English philosopher

Up in the world - Down on her luck (engraving)
610373 Up in the world - Down on her luck (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Social Contract; Up in the world - Down on her luck; from The Days Doings)

Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury (engraving)
617996 Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury (engraving) by English School; Private Collection; (add.info.: Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679)

The Prize of the Race (engraving)
972695 The Prize of the Race (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Prize of the Race. Scene from Emile by Jean-Jacques Rousseau)

John Locke, English Enlightenment philosopher (chromolitho)
668848 John Locke, English Enlightenment philosopher (chromolitho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: John Locke)

Hobbes, (1588-1679), 1830. Creator: Unknown
Hobbes, (1588-1679), 1830. Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) English philosopher and one of the founders of modern political philosophy, influential in social contract theory, history, theology and ethics

John Locke. Esq, 1786. Creator: Unknown
John Locke. Esq, 1786.John Locke (1632-1704), English philosopher, physician and Enlightenment thinker important to social contract theory and considered to be as the " Father of Liberalism

Thomas Hobbes, English philosopher, c1668 (1894). Artist: William Faithorne
Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679), English philosopher, c1668 (1894). From A Collection of Engraved Portraits (Further Selection) Exhibited by the Late James Anderson Rose

Thomas Hobbes, 17th century English philosopher, (1836). Artist: James Posselwhite
Thomas Hobbes, 17th century English philosopher, (1836). Hobbes (1588-1679) is best known for his work on political philosophy, Leviathan, published in 1651

ROUSSEAU: SOCIAL CONTRACT. Title page of the first edition of Jean Jacques Rousseau s
ROUSSEAU: SOCIAL CONTRACT. Title page of the first edition of Jean Jacques Rousseaus The Social Contract, Amsterdam, 1762

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) from Gallery of Portraits, published in 1833
XJF366808 Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) from Gallery of Portraits, published in 1833 (engraving) (b/w photo) by English School

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"The Evolution of the Social Contract: Exploring the Philosophical Perspectives of John Locke and Thomas Hobbes" In this captivating collection of engravings and chromolithos, we delve into the profound ideas surrounding the social contract theory put forth by two influential English philosophers - John Locke and Thomas Hobbes. The first engraving portrays John Locke, an Enlightenment philosopher whose ideas shaped modern political thought. His intellectual prowess is evident in his piercing gaze as he contemplates the nature of society and government. Contrasting this image is another engraving titled "Up in the world - Down on her luck, " which symbolizes the state of humanity without a social contract. It serves as a stark reminder that without agreed-upon rules and structures, chaos ensues, leaving individuals vulnerable to misfortune. Thomas Hobbes, depicted in various engravings throughout history, presents an alternative perspective. In one portrayal from 1894 by William Faithorne, we see him deep in contemplation with furrowed brows. Hobbes believed that humans are inherently selfish creatures driven by self-interests; thus, a strong central authority is necessary to maintain order. Another striking image captures a horse race entitled "The Prize of the Race. " This metaphorical representation reminds us that society functions best when there are clear rules governing competition and ensuring fairness for all participants – principles embedded within the social contract framework. As we explore these philosophical musings further through depictions like James Posselwhite's artwork from 1836 showcasing Thomas Hobbes' stern countenance or Jean Jacques Rousseau's title page illustration for his seminal work on social contracts, it becomes apparent that these thinkers sought to establish harmony between individuals while safeguarding their natural rights. Ultimately, these images serve as visual reminders of how our understanding of governance has evolved over time. The concepts put forth by Locke and Hobbes continue to shape our societies today as we grapple with questions about individual freedoms versus collective responsibilities.