The Pool of Bethesda 1736

William Hogarth's painting, "The Pool of Bethesda", presents a scene of divine intervention, addressing themes of faith, suffering, and social critique. Hogarth lived in a time where there was a growing divide between the rich and the poor, and many questioned the role of religion in society. Painted in the 18th century, Hogarth, who himself was not particularly religious, uses a biblical narrative to comment on the social disparities of his time. Here, a diverse group of individuals, marked by illness and poverty, seek healing at the pool, while an angel stirs the water, symbolizing a fleeting chance at salvation. Hogarth challenges traditional representations of religious subjects by portraying the scene with a raw, almost discomforting realism. Hogarth seems to suggest that in a society marred by inequality, divine grace, like social justice, seems arbitrarily distributed, leaving many to suffer while a select few are chosen. This piece invites us to consider the emotional and ethical implications of inequality and the role of compassion in society.