The Artisans

Hmmm…what do these people think about us?

1. Gentlemen 2. Citizens/burgesses – townspeople employed in a trade 3. Yeomen – farmers in small landholdings 4. Craftsmen/artisans – along with laborers * As defined by William Harrison in his Description of England (1560s)

 From French: artisan, Italian: artigianoFrenchItalian  Craftsman (craftsperson) is a skilled manual worker who makes items that may be functional or strictly decorative, including furniture, sculpture, clothing, jewe llery, household items and tools or even machines such as the handmade devices of a watchmaker.manualfunctionaldecorativefurnituresculptureclothingjewe llerytoolswatchmaker  Artisans practice a craft and may through experience and aptitude reach the expressive levels of an artist.craftaptitude

 The term "artisan" was applied to those who made things or provided services  It did not apply to unskilled labourers. Artisans were divided into two distinct groups: those who operated their own businesses and those who did not  Those who owned their businesses were called masters, while the latter were the journeymen and apprentices  One misunderstanding many people have about this social group is that they picture them as "workers" in the modern sense: employed by someone  The most influential group among the artisans were the masters, the business owners. The owners enjoyed a higher social status in their communities

Shakespeare’s father himself was an apprentice glover and tanner of leather

 Most were apprenticed for 7 years to train for specific skill  Neither wealthy nor desperately poor  Some trades generated more income than the other  Tailor being the most unlikely to generate a lot and Shakespeare suggested this in the name, Starveling, the tailor (skinny and pale)

 Not expected to be refined but have at least basic grammar school education  Due to this basic level of education, some might not read very well – “slow of study” as seen in the play when one is given script with no dialogue, just “roaring”  Still among the lowest level in social hierarchy and has little say in government affair  Clear distinction between court characters

 The 1590’s when Shakespeare was actively busy writing plays, economic hardship caused violent uprisings both in London and rural areas  There 12 riots in 1595 alone and leaders of these are artisans  Growing population = less jobs = less wage = high taxes  Bad harvest from also caused shortage in food supply

 Do not appear to be a restive, aggressive sort  With good intention, always try not offend others/courtly audience  Do not want to create any potential social tension  Shakespeare’s play shows a ‘kinder’ face of the society through the artisans’ good intentions – “roaring lion” might scare the ladies