The Sleeping Congregation 1736

"The Sleeping Congregation," created in 1736 by William Hogarth, is a satirical engraving depicting the indifference and inattentiveness of a congregation during a sermon. The scene takes place in a church, where the preacher appears to be diligently delivering his message. However, the congregation is anything but attentive, with many members asleep or engaging in other activities. The artwork provides a glimpse into the social and religious customs of 18th-century England, and it has been praised for its wit and social commentary. Hogarth's use of engraving and its fine lines capture the details of the characters and their expressions with subtle irony, making it a key work within the history of British art.