The Reward of Cruelty 1751

"The Reward of Cruelty" (1751) is an etching by William Hogarth, a renowned British artist known for his moralizing and satirical works. This print, part of a series, depicts a macabre scene of a dissection, highlighting the cruelty and callousness prevalent in 18th century medical practice. The central figure is a surgeon, meticulously dissecting a cadaver, while others observe, some with indifference, others with morbid fascination. The skeletons in the background and the dog gnawing on a bone emphasize the theme of mortality and the use of human remains in scientific exploration. This work, characteristic of Hogarth's style, serves as a powerful commentary on the societal issues of his time.