Menial Collection

A Hobart chain-gang, a group of prisoners chained together to perform menial or physically challenging work as a form
5614423 A Hobart chain-gang, a group of prisoners chained together to perform menial or physically challenging work as a form of punishment; (add.info.: A Hobart chain-gang)

Edo street scene, 18th century. A dance teacher and pupil on the left, a nori (glue) seller is beckoned by workers in a small family business

Historical views of Tibet. The Grand Lama with priests and worshippers 46, Lama priest sprinkling a home with holy water 47, and victor drinking out of an enemys skull 48

The Tale of a Masque and its Consequences (engraving)
1036810 The Tale of a Masque and its Consequences (engraving) by Craig, Frank (1874-1918); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Tale of a Masque and its Consequences)

A Bourgeois Kitchen (oil on canvas)
GIA995404 A Bourgeois Kitchen (oil on canvas) by Urlaub, Georg Anton (1713-59); Historisches Museum, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; eGiancarlo Costa; German, out of copyright

A Hobart chain-gang, a group of prisoners chained together to perform menial or physically challenging work as a form of punishment. From The Martyrs of Tolpuddle, published 1934

Ladies working in a Russian soldiers home under Bolsheviks
Those who suffer under the revolutionary regime - Russian ladies earning their living as cleaners I a home for soldiers. Scene showing upper class women employed in scrubbing

Silhouette. Princess & the Swineherd. The princess paying the swineherd 100 kisses for a menial pot. German. Date: circa 1920

Silhouette. King Thrushbeard. The minstrel takes the princess to his hovel where she must carry out menial household chores. German. Date: circa 1909

Taddeo Employed on Menial Tasks at Calabreses House; Federico Zuccaro, Italian, about 1541 - 1609; about 1595; Pen and brown ink, brush with brown wash

French Factory Children
Children doing menial jobs in a French factory Date: 1850

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In the bustling streets of 18th century Edo, menial tasks were an integral part of daily life. From the Historical views of Tibet to The Tale of a Masque and its Consequences engraving, glimpses into different cultures reveal the universality of mundane chores. A Bourgeois Kitchen depicted on canvas showcases the laborious efforts behind every meal, while ladies diligently worked in a Russian soldier's home under Bolsheviks' rule. Silhouettes tell tales too - from Princess & the Swineherd to King Thrushbeard, highlighting how even royalty can be subjected to menial duties. The concept extended beyond fairy tales; it was a reality for prisoners in Hobart chain-gangs during the 1930s as they performed physically challenging work as punishment. Historical views of Hindoostan shed light on India's past where individuals engaged in various lowly tasks. Cinderella's story resonates with many who have experienced their fair share jobs but dreamt big nonetheless. Taddeo Employed on Menial Tasks at Calabreses House captures one individual's struggle with such responsibilities within a specific household setting. French Factory Children remind us that children too were not exempt from performing these less glamorous duties. Throughout history and across continents, menial tasks have been woven into society's fabric - whether through street scenes or engravings - reminding us that no matter our background or status, there are always humble beginnings before reaching greater heights.