Royalty, Episcopacy and Law 

This undated engraving by William Hogarth satirizes the institutions of monarchy, the church, and the law in England. Hogarth presents us with a scene supposedly of the inhabitants of the moon, observed through a telescope. This is of course a fictional scene that he uses as a veil for criticizing British society. The figures, representing royalty, episcopacy, and law, are depicted with exaggerated features and absurd accoutrements. This visual language critiques the perceived corruption and self-importance of these institutions. Hogarth's print participates in a broader cultural discourse questioning authority and social hierarchy during the 18th century. His work often reflects the growing sense of individual agency and challenges to traditional power structures of the time. Historians consult various sources to understand the social and political context of artworks like this. Period pamphlets, political cartoons, and legal documents all help to interpret and contextualize such images. By examining the institutional history of the monarchy, the church, and the law, the meaning of the art becomes contingent on its social and institutional context.