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Unable to obtain employment, they are driven by poverty into the streets to beg
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Unable to obtain employment, they are driven by poverty into the streets to beg
Unable to obtain employment, they are driven by poverty into the streets to beg, and by this means they still supply the bottle. Plate IV of The Drunkards Chlldren) pub. 1848 (b/w engraving). A man, woman and young girl stand beneath a sign for Family Wines and Spirits, poor looking children and a mother walk in the background
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Media ID 15142452
© Historica Graphica Collection / Heritage-Images
Alcohol George Cruikshank 1792 1878 Pipe Temptation Young Escapism Historica Graphica Collection
EDITORS COMMENTS
This poignant engraving, titled "Unable to obtain employment, they are driven by poverty into the streets to beg" captures the harsh realities of 19th-century life. The image depicts a man, woman, and young girl standing beneath a weathered sign advertising Family Wines and Spirits. In the background, we see impoverished children and their mother walking by. The artist George Cruikshank skillfully conveys the desperation faced by this family as they resort to begging in order to survive. Their worn-out clothing and weary expressions tell a story of hardship and destitution. The presence of the dog further emphasizes their vulnerability. The juxtaposition between the struggling family and the enticing advertisement for alcohol highlights one of society's cruelest ironies: that those who suffer most from poverty often turn to vices like gin as an escape from their troubles. This engraving serves as a powerful reminder of how poverty can drive individuals towards temptation in search of temporary relief. Through his detailed portrayal, Cruikshank aims to shed light on societal issues such as unemployment, poverty, addiction, and escapism during this era. It is a stark representation of how economic circumstances can push families into dire situations where survival becomes paramount. As we reflect upon this historical image today, it serves as both a testament to human resilience in times of adversity and a call for empathy towards those facing similar struggles in our own time.
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