The modern Arnolds (1908)

Description: The Modern Arnolds, a striking painting by John Samuel Pughe from 1908, brilliantly encapsulates the socio-political sentiment of its time through the use of vibrant caricature and symbolic elements. Occupying the central focus of the canvas is an oversized, corpulent figure representing a monopolist or a capitalist, comfortably seated and blatantly apathetic to the landscape around him. His attire, adorned with documents labeled "Franchises," "Special Privileges," "Land Patents," "Mineral Rights," "Tax Exemptions," "Timber," and "Grain," signifies wealth accrued through the manipulation of resources and political influence.In the backdrop and side panel, we see two smaller figures energetically hustling about quite in contrast to the main figure’s lethargy. One of these figures appears to be a worker, laden with a heavy sack tagged "The Poor." This image juxtaposes the light-hearted ease of the wealthy against the struggling working class. The serene, yet forlorn landscape adorned with sparse trees further emphasizes the depletion and exploitation of natural resources.The Modern Arnolds serves as a satirical commentary on the disparity of wealth distribution and the exploitation inherent in early 20th-century capitalism. Pughe's clever use of humor and exaggeration not only underscores the social and economic disparities of his time but also provokes thought on contemporary issues of inequality and corporate governance.