Cutting Off the Nose (Modern Military Punishments) 1720 - 1779

"Cutting Off the Nose (Modern Military Punishments)" is a 1720s etching by William Hogarth, a leading figure in English satire. Depicting a military scene, Hogarth satirizes the brutality of 18th-century military punishments, focusing on the practice of cutting off the nose. The graphic nature of the scene underscores the artist's condemnation of cruelty and inhumanity. The detailed etching, with its clear lines and shading, creates a stark contrast between the stoic soldiers and the terrified victim, emphasizing the power dynamics at play.