William Hogarth Marriage a la mode. The Contract or the marriage settlement
Image details
Contributor:
Historical Images Archive / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
FW7C1HFile size:
30.1 MB (3.7 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
3712 x 2832 px | 31.4 x 24 cm | 12.4 x 9.4 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
1840More information:
This image could have imperfections as it’s either historical or reportage.
Hogarth engraving from The Works of William Hogarth by Rev Trusler published circa 1840. Info from Nationalgallery.org: 'Marriage A-la-Mode' was the first of Hogarth's satirical moralising series of engravings that took the upper echelons of society as its subject. The story starts in the mansion of the Earl Squander who is arranging to marry his son to the daughter of a wealthy but mean city merchant. It ends with the murder of the son and the suicide of the daughter. In the first scene the aged Earl (far right) is shown with his family tree and the crutches he needs because of his gout. The new house which he is having built is visible through the window. The merchant, who is plainly dressed, holds the marriage contract, while his daughter behind him listens to a young lawyer, Silvertongue. The Earl's son, the Viscount, admires his face in a mirror. Two dogs, chained together in the bottom left corner, perhaps symbolise the marriage. Hogarth's details, especially the paintings on the walls, comment on the action. A grand portrait in the French manner on the rear wall confronts a Medusa head, denoting horror, on the side wall.