Hudibras and the Skimmington (Twelve Large Illustrations for Samuel Butler's Hudibras, Plate 7) 1725 - 1768

This etching, created by renowned English artist William Hogarth, depicts a scene from Samuel Butler’s satirical poem *Hudibras*. It portrays a public punishment known as a skimmington, where a man suspected of cuckoldry was paraded through the streets, often with a grotesque effigy of a woman hung on him. This print, created between 1725-1768, is a testament to Hogarth's signature style of social commentary and his skill in etching. The scene is full of life and humor, and the details of the figures and their attire convey a sense of the time. *Hudibras and the Skimmington* is a classic example of Hogarth's ability to satirize the follies of society, using a blend of visual wit and social realism.