Artisans

Eighteenth-century artisans were skilled craftspeople who produced goods largely by hand, forming the backbone of pre-industrial economies. Organized into master artisans, journeymen, and apprentices, they typically worked from their homes or small workshops, creating everything from shoes and clothing to furniture and tools. While the guild system, which regulated trades, had begun to wane in influence, master artisans still held a respected social status due to their vital contributions to community needs and the independence of their craft. However, the burgeoning commercial landscape and the early stirrings of industrialization began to challenge traditional artisanal practices, leading to shifts in work organization and a growing distinction between entrepreneurial masters and wage-earning journeymen.