Hudibras Vanquished by Trulla (Seventeen Small Illustrations for Samuel Butler's Hudibras, no. 5) 1721 - 1726

"Hudibras Vanquished by Trulla", is an engraving by William Hogarth, part of a series of illustrations for Samuel Butler's satirical poem "Hudibras." Hogarth, working in the 18th century, a period marked by rigid social hierarchies, uses satire to challenge societal norms. Here, we see Hudibras, a knight, being defeated by Trulla, a female character. The scene critiques traditional gender roles and the idealization of knighthood, reflecting the shifting cultural landscape of the time. The physical comedy of the scene—the fallen knight, the attacking woman—evokes laughter, but also prompts us to consider the power dynamics at play. Hogarth uses humor to expose the absurdity of established authority figures. These works allowed Hogarth to push against the traditional representation of women at the time, while creating a piece that allowed for personal reflection. Hogarth's print serves as a reminder of art’s power to challenge norms and provoke conversations about identity, power, and social change.