Night: The Four Times of Day 1738

William Hogarth created this print, Night, using engraving and etching techniques, processes rooted in skilled labor and repetition. The stark black lines define a chaotic London street scene. Consider the labor involved: Hogarth meticulously cut lines into a metal plate, each stroke dictating the image's composition and tonal range. The precision required speaks to a craft tradition, yet the print's purpose was mass production, meant for wide distribution and consumption. Note how the material influences the appearance of the artwork. The sharp, unforgiving lines of the engraving create a sense of immediacy and grit, fitting for the portrayal of urban disorder. The scene itself depicts the lower classes and their lifestyle, contrasting with the emerging wealthy society. Hogarth's choice of printmaking, a method that democratized art by making it accessible to a broader audience, resonates with his social commentary. By understanding the materials, making, and social context, we recognize how Hogarth's print transcends mere illustration, becoming a powerful statement on labor, class, and consumption in 18th-century London.