Benjamin Franklin “The Art of Making Money Plenty” Framed Rebus Print

Fascinating framed “The Art of Making Money Plenty in Every Man’s Pocket; by Doctor Franklin” print featuring an old-fashioned rebus, where pictures and symbols replace words and portions of words throughout the message.  The print reads, when the rebus illustrations are decoded, substantially as follows:  “At this time the general complaint is that money is so scarce, I must perform an act of kindness and inform the moneyless how they may reinforce their pockets. I will acquaint you with the true secret of money catching, the certain way to fill empty pockets and how to keep them always full.  Two simple rules observed will do the business.  1st: Let honesty and industry be thy constant companions.  2nd: Spend one penny every day less than thy clear gains.  Then shall thy pockets soon begin to thrive; thy creditors will never insult thee, nor want of money, nor hunger, nor nakedness freeze thee. The whole hemisphere will shine brighter, and pleasure spring up in every corner of thy heart.  Now therefore embrace these rules and be happy. B. Franklin.”  The combination of words and tiny illustrations makes the piece especially fun because the viewer has to decipher Franklin’s financial advice rather than simply read it.  Gold-tone frame with light blue matting, dark inner border and glass front. Hanging hardware is already attached.  Measures approximately 19” wide x 22” tall overall.  Very nice pre-owned condition. A fantastic conversation piece for an office, study, library.