Fustigatio (John Beaver, Roman Military Punishments, 1725) 1725 - 1779

William Hogarth created this etching, titled "Fustigatio," around 1725. At first glance, the eye is drawn to the stark contrast of light and shadow, creating a scene of intense drama. The composition is organized around the central figure of a man bound to a tree, flanked by two Roman soldiers. Hogarth masterfully employs line to convey texture and depth, from the rough bark of the tree to the folds of the soldiers' garments. The scene is filled with implied movement: the raised arm of the soldier wielding the whip, the stoic stance of the bound man, and the watchful gaze of the guard on the right. Hogarth may be alluding to contemporary issues of justice, punishment, and the abuse of power. The small scale of the print belies the magnitude of its subject matter. As you observe the precise lines and deliberate composition, consider how Hogarth uses formal elements to construct a powerful commentary on human nature. The meaning of this historical scene continues to be re-interpreted by viewers to this day.