How does the painting reflect changes to middle-class society brought about by industrialization?
Due to industrialization the middle-class lost ranks in society as well as a
decrease in their wealth. They took business risks that did not always turn
out favorably.
Industrialization drew sharp lines between the aristocracy and the middle-
class as illustrated in this painting. The rich became richer during this time
creating an even larger divide between the aristocrats and middle-class.
Industrialization improved the lives of the middle-class but they still found
themselves well below the aristocrats in how they lived and the resources
they enjoyed. Someone in the middle-class would still have to work hard
daily to provide for their family.
As a result of industrialization members of the middle-class benefited with
new wealth and prestige. They assembled themselves into aristocratic life
by buying homes in the country, securing seats in Parliament, sending their
sons to Ivy League schools, and receiving titles from the Queen