Business!

Business is business.

This poignant woodcut was based on a sketch by the talented Linley Sambourne and originally published in the December 13, 1890 issue of Punch, or the London Charivari. This particular example was issued the following year in a commemorative annual volume.

The scene presents Mr. Punch (back) pestering a wealthy ‘Sweating Shylock’ (note the skull decorations) who is enjoying his incredible profits at the expense of his employees. Bales of his product, matches, are tucked tightly under his arm. The suffering of those matchbox makers – mostly women and children – is vividly depicted in a cloud of smoke. Two years before publication, the 1888 Matchgirls’ Strike brought some improvement to the dangerous and ill-paying trade, but it is evident that additional reforms were needed.