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Rules to be Observed by a Victorian Family
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Rules to be Observed by a Victorian Family
Rules to be Observed by a Victorian Family -- a typical summary of Victorian values, with advice including: Waste Not, Want Not; Do everything at its proper time; Be punctual, be regular, be clean; Rise early, be industrious. With contrasting scenes: The Home of Industry and the Home of Idleness; The Sabbath of Diligence and the Sabbath of Laziness; The Result of Perseverance and the Consequence of Indolence. Date: circa 1860
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Media ID 14131849
© The Muriel Dawson Collection/Mary Evans Picture Library
Advice Clean Consequence Contrasting Diligence Ethic Guidance Idleness Industrious Laziness Moral Morality Perseverance Proper Regular Result Rise Rules Sabbath Values Waste Guidelines Indolence Punctual
EDITORS COMMENTS
This Victorian-era print, titled 'Rules to be Observed by a Victorian Family,' encapsulates the moral and social values of the time. The illustration presents two contrasting scenes, each embodying distinct virtues and vices. On one side, we find 'The Home of Industry,' where family members are engaged in various tasks, reflecting the ethic of hard work and perseverance. The scene is filled with industry, with a woman mending clothes, children studying, and a man tending to his tools. The caption reads, 'Waste Not, Want Not; Do everything at its proper time; Be punctual, be regular, be clean; Rise early, be industrious.' On the other side lies 'The Home of Idleness,' where family members lounge about, seemingly disregarding the importance of discipline and diligence. The scene is a stark contrast, with a woman sewing unraveled threads, children playing instead of studying, and a man lounging in a chair. The caption reads, 'The Sabbath of Idleness; The Consequence of Indolence.' The print also highlights the significance of religious observance and the importance of the Sabbath. One scene depicts a family gathered for worship, while the other shows a family neglecting their religious duties. The contrasting scenes serve as a powerful reminder of the consequences of perseverance and indolence. This evocative print offers a glimpse into the moral and social values of Victorian society, providing guidance for families to live a virtuous and industrious life. The print, believed to date back to the 1860s, is a testament to the enduring influence of Victorian values and the importance of hard work, discipline, and religious observance.
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