The Sleeping Congregation 1736

"The Sleeping Congregation" (1736) is an engraving by the English artist William Hogarth. The artwork satirizes the lack of attention and decorum during a church service. The image depicts a scene inside a church, where various individuals are asleep or otherwise distracted, while the preacher continues his sermon. This satirical piece highlights Hogarth's keen observation of social behavior and his penchant for social commentary, which was a characteristic of his work and a popular theme in 18th-century art. The detail of the artwork is evident in the depiction of the various characters' expressions and postures, as well as the church's interior. The use of light and shadow further enhances the scene's realism. "The Sleeping Congregation," like much of Hogarth's work, is both a humorous and insightful commentary on the social and moral norms of his time.