Joseph Wright Of Derby's 'An Iron Forge'

The Industrial Revolution was a revolution in society as much as it was in manufacturing. Usually considered to have taken place between the years of 1760 to 1840, describing changes mainly in Europe and the United States, the Industrial Revolution was a period where society moved from an agriculture-based economy to one focused on manufacturing. This change was possible through the development of new technologies for production. These new technologies enabled many to increase their wealth and opened up new avenues for people to move up the socioeconomic ladder.

Joseph Wright of Derby, a British artist who worked during the late 18th century, was described as “the first professional painter to express the spirit of the Industrial Revolution,”

This scene illustrates two main ideas–one, the technology available for metal working has greatly improved efficiency of the trade, and two, the changes of the Industrial Revolution reach beyond working life and into domestic life. The painting shows three workers, but only one is working on the task at hand (with some impressive machinery). Everyone else present serves as an audience to the work. This audience of workers as well as family could symbolize the promise of new technology to the average person. It not only benefits laborers for manufacturing to become more efficient, but also those related to workers and the average person. Because the trade of metal working has gotten easier, perhaps these workers will be able to spend more time in leisure and with family. Families and everyday citizens may be able to purchase goods that were previously too expensive to them. The new type of forge and tools within serves as a promise to society of better working and living

He also promoted the idea of a “laissez faire” approach to economy where the economic system of a society would be left to develop and operate on its own, without interference from some source of authority like the government (Viner 221).

Smith’s concepts have influenced economic theory and practice since their original introduction through to today. It took hold during the Industrial Revolution because of the massive increase in production and consumption of goods, which led to new divisions of labor and new levels of wealth. Smith saw the growth in industry as a societal good because of how the profits from industry could benefit everyone, not only the individual's accumulating wealth. While he did not believe in government interference in the economy, Smith supported taxation to provide public services and maintain