Marriage à la Mode 1745

print

pencil drawn

aged paper

toned paper

light pencil work

parchment

print

pencil sketch

old engraving style

england

19th century

golden font

watercolor

"Marriage à la Mode" is a series of six engravings by William Hogarth, a prominent English artist known for his satirical social commentary. This particular piece, the second in the series, portrays a scene of marital discord between a wealthy couple. The husband slumps in a chair, seemingly bored, while his wife, in a state of distress, throws a teacup to the floor. A musician, perhaps the wife's former lover, stands in the background in shock. Hogarth's work exposes the hypocrisy and moral decay within the upper classes of 18th century England. His engravings served as visual narratives, challenging societal norms and prompting discussions about marriage, wealth, and social expectations.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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The couple is shown at home after a night of revelry; the clock reads 1:20 a.m. The young man apparently has just returned, as his sword is shown lying at his feet, symbolically broken, and the dog sniffs at a woman's cap stowed in his pocket. His wife appears to have hosted a rather raucous card party: furniture is tipped over, and the ground is strewn with cards and books, one on the game of whist. The young bride and groom are as disconnected as at the moment of their engagement. He stares into space, exhausted and rather miserable after a night of debauchery. She appears worn out, too, as she indecorously splays her arms and legs, although one suspects that her evening passed more innocently.