Moral Tale Collection (page 4)

The Trumpeter taken Prisoner, illustration from Babys Own Aesop, engraved
KW308690 The Trumpeter taken Prisoner, illustration from Babys Own Aesop, engraved and printed by Edmund Evans, London, published c.1920 (colour litho) by Crane

Brother and Sister, illustration from Babys Own Aesop, engraved
KW308688 Brother and Sister, illustration from Babys Own Aesop, engraved and printed by Edmund Evans, London, published c.1920 (colour litho) by Crane

The Boaster, illustration from Babys Own Aesop, engraved and printed by Edmund Evans
KW308686 The Boaster, illustration from Babys Own Aesop, engraved and printed by Edmund Evans, London, published c.1920 (colour litho) by Crane

The Trees and the Woodman, illustration from Babys Own Aesop, engraved
KW308685 The Trees and the Woodman, illustration from Babys Own Aesop, engraved and printed by Edmund Evans, London, published c.1920 (colour litho) by Crane

Hercules and the Waggoner, illustration from Babys Own Aesop, engraved
KW308684 Hercules and the Waggoner, illustration from Babys Own Aesop, engraved and printed by Edmund Evans, London, published c.1920 (colour litho) by Crane

Title page from Babys Own Aesop, engraved and printed by Edmund Evans
KW308682 Title page from Babys Own Aesop, engraved and printed by Edmund Evans, London, published c.1920 (colour litho) by Crane, Walter (1845-1915) (after); Private Collection; Ken Welsh; English

The Frightened Lion, illustration from Babys Own Aesop, engraved
KW308683 The Frightened Lion, illustration from Babys Own Aesop, engraved and printed by Edmund Evans, London, published c.1920 (colour litho) by Crane

Front cover of Babys Own Aesop, engraved and printed by Edmund Evans
KW308681 Front cover of Babys Own Aesop, engraved and printed by Edmund Evans, London, published c.1920 (colour litho) by Crane, Walter (1845-1915) (after); Private Collection; Ken Welsh; English

The frogs asking for a king, illustration from Fables by Jean de La Fontaine
XIR287748 The frogs asking for a king, illustration from Fables by Jean de La Fontaine (1621-95) (engraving) (b/w photo) by Dore, Gustave (1832-83) (after); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

The Fox and the Grapes, illustration for Fables by Jean de La Fontaine
XIR259643 The Fox and the Grapes, illustration for Fables by Jean de La Fontaine (1621-95) (colour litho) by David, Jules (1809-92); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

The Frog and the Ox, illustration from Le Petit Journal, 30th December 1893
XIR217565 The Frog and the Ox, illustration from Le Petit Journal, 30th December 1893 (coloured engraving) by French School

The Crow and the Fox, from Fables by Jean de La Fontaine (1621-95) (engraving)
XIR164970 The Crow and the Fox, from Fables by Jean de La Fontaine (1621-95) (engraving) (b/w photo) by Dore, Gustave (1832-83) (after); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

Illustration for The Wolf and the Lamb, The Cicada and the Ant
XIR164942 Illustration for The Wolf and the Lamb, The Cicada and the Ant and The City Rat and the Country Rat tales from Fables by Jean de La Fontaine (1621-95) (engraving) (b/w photo)

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

In the captivating world of moral tales depicted through engravings, woodcuts, and oil paintings by renowned artist William Hogarth, a powerful narrative unfolds. These thought-provoking artworks delve into the depths of human behavior, exposing the consequences of vice and immorality. One such tale is "The Idle Prentice Betrayed by his Whore and Taken in a Night Cellar with his Accomplice. " Through this engraving from 1747, we witness the downfall of an idle apprentice who falls prey to temptation. It serves as a stark reminder that idleness can lead one astray if not accompanied by diligence and purpose. Another striking piece is "The Rape of Lucrecia, " depicted in a haunting woodcut. This tragic story highlights the devastating consequences of unchecked lust and cruelty. It stands as a cautionary tale against violating others' dignity for personal gain or pleasure. Moving forward to 1751, we encounter "Cruelty in Perfection, " an engraving that portrays the ultimate manifestation of heartlessness. This chilling image forces us to confront our capacity for cruelty when empathy is absent from our actions. Hogarth's masterful series titled "Industry and Idleness" further explores these themes. In plate XI, aptly named "The Idle Prentice Executed at Tyburn, " we witness justice being served upon those who choose indolence over hard work. The message conveyed here is clear: laziness leads only to ruin. Contrasting this fate is seen in another engraving from 1751 called "The Reward of Cruelty. " As its title suggests, it depicts how acts born out of malice ultimately result in their own punishment—a sobering reminder that kindness should always prevail over cruelty. Through these various works—whether etchings or hand-colored engravings—we are transported back centuries ago but find their messages still resonate today.