3949691 He that by the plough would thrive?Himself must either hold or drive, c.1825-50 (oil on canvas) by American School, (19th century); 88.3x213.7 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy, Andover, MA, USA; (add.info.: This composition, depicting how the American farmer and family existed on the frontier, incorporates the proverb, \'He that by the plough would thrive...\', which was first published in England in the 1670s and was introduced to America by Benjamin Franklin in his Poor Richard Almanac of 1747. It served as a reminder to the humble farmer that in his pursuit of prosperity he must remain self-reliant and hard-working to ensure the reward of a bountiful harvest. No one is idle in the scene, as idlenss was anathema to successful husbandry. ); byAddison Gallery of American Art ; purchased as the gift of Evelyn L. Roberts.