A Lapland Hut (Aubry de La Mottraye's "Travels throughout Europe, Asia and into Part of Africa...," London, 1724, vol. II, pl. 38)

A Lapland Hut (Aubry de La Mottraye's "Travels throughout Europe, Asia and into Part of Africa...," London, 1724, vol. II, pl. 38) is a detailed print executed by William Hogarth between 1723 and 1724. The artwork utilizes the complementary techniques of etching and engraving to serve as Plate 38 in the second volume of Aubry de La Mottraye’s influential 1724 travelogue, offering readers a visual account of distant cultures.

The scene captures a moment of daily life set within a vast, cold Landscape, reflecting the severe climate of the far northern reaches of Europe. A modest, conical structure, representing the indigenous Lapland Hut or dwelling, stands central to the composition. Several Men and Women, likely Sámi people, are depicted engaged in various outdoor tasks near the settlement. The composition integrates the necessary components of northern existence, including several Animals, specifically reindeer, which are vital for transportation and sustenance, shown tethered nearby or grazing.

While Hogarth is primarily known for his later satirical and narrative series, this illustration demonstrates his foundational skill as a professional engraver and figure draughtsman. These early commissioned prints were crucial for establishing his reputation in London's burgeoning publishing industry. The linear precision and documentary focus reflect the high standards required of 18th-century geographical illustrations. This important historical print is preserved within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Since the original publication dates to 1724, the work is often available for study as part of the public domain.