Hudibras Visiting Sidrophel (Seventeen Small Illustrations for Samuel Butler's Hudibras, no. 11) 1721 - 1726

This engraving, "Hudibras Visiting Sidrophel," is one of 17 illustrations by William Hogarth for Samuel Butler's satirical poem *Hudibras*. It depicts a scene from the poem, where the titular character, Hudibras, visits the astrologer Sidrophel, who is attempting to divine the future by looking at the stars. The scene is set in a cluttered room with a globe and other scientific instruments, adding to the satire of Sidrophel’s dubious practices. Hogarth’s use of detail and humor are characteristic of his style, which became increasingly popular during the 18th century. This work is a prime example of Hogarth's early career and his mastery of printmaking.