Illustration design for "The Economy of Human Life"
Medium
Watercolor
Dimensions
Sheet: 3 15/16 × 3 9/16 in. (10 × 9 cm)
Classification
Drawings
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1966
Accession Number
66.542.37(3)
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite watercolor, *Illustration design for "The of Human Life"*, by Frank Howard in 4, captures a pivotal moment in th-century book illustration. a petite 3 15/16 3 9/16 inches (10 × 9 cm), it served as a preparatory design for an edition of Robert Dodsley's influential 1751 moral treatise—a concise guide to ethical living, blending Christian principles with practical wisdom on human conduct, labor, and society. Howard, a British artist known for his detailed reproductive engravings, likely depicted men and horses in a scene evoking diligence, travel, or communal effort, themes resona...
About the Artist
Robert Dodsley|Frank Howard (British|British) · 1703 |1805 –1764 |1866
British, 1703–1764|British, London 1805–1866 Liverpool