Married to an Old Maid 

This print by William Hogarth captures a scene of social commentary, likely made in England in the mid-18th century. It is a time when the institution of marriage was often intertwined with economic considerations. Here, Hogarth presents a narrative ripe with visual codes. The aged bride and the seemingly reluctant groom, coupled with the reactions of the surrounding figures, suggest a marriage of convenience rather than affection. The setting, a church, traditionally a place of sacred union, becomes a stage for a transaction. Hogarth was known for his satirical commentary on the social structures of his time, particularly the economic disparities and moral hypocrisy prevalent in 18th-century English society. His work often served as a critique of the institutions of art and the social norms they upheld. To fully understand Hogarth's work, historians delve into period documents like marriage records, economic surveys, and social commentaries. This contextual research reveals the artist's role as a social observer.