Times of the Day: Evening 

William Hogarth created this print, "Times of the Day: Evening," using the technique of engraving. Hogarth was not only a fine artist, but also a savvy businessman who understood the emerging print market of the 18th century, which allowed artworks to be widely distributed and consumed. Engraving is an intaglio process where the image is cut into a metal plate, allowing for fine lines and detailed scenes like this one. Look closely, and you can see how each mark contributes to the overall composition, from the texture of the fabrics to the shadows on the buildings. This was a laborious process, requiring skilled artisans to translate Hogarth's vision into a reproducible form. Prints like these were commodities, reflecting the era's growing consumer culture. They also democratized art, making it accessible to a broader audience beyond the wealthy elite. Through engraving, Hogarth's work not only captured the social scenes of his time, but also participated in the burgeoning market that reshaped artistic production and consumption. It blurs the lines between fine art and commercial craft.