An Election Entertainment, plate one from Four Prints of an Election

An Election Entertainment, plate one from Four Prints of an Election by William Hogarth English, 1697-1764, is a powerful satirical print dating from 1757-1758. This work is executed as an intricate engraving in black on cream laid paper, the traditional material for 18th-century English prints. This piece serves as the opening installment of Hogarth’s famed quartet critiquing the rampant political corruption and disorder surrounding parliamentary elections.

The series captured the political life of England during a contentious period, specifically targeting the chaos of local hustings. Hogarth depicts the Whig party’s campaign dinner, exposing the bribery, drunkenness, and manipulation inherent in the electoral process of the era. The scene is crowded with figures in various states of inebriation and distress, illustrating the mercenary nature of political allegiance. The visual details emphasize the divide between the wealthy candidates and the often-exploited common voter, who is being bought with food, drink, and cash to ensure their vote. This plate is celebrated for its keen observation of social behavior and political theatrics.

The masterful technique demonstrated in this engraving underscores Hogarth's skill not only as a painter but also as a prolific printmaker. His detailed line work and dramatic composition allowed for widespread distribution, ensuring that his sharp social commentary reached a broad audience across England. Due to its historical significance and age, this work, along with the other plates in the series, is frequently available for study in the public domain. This significant example of An Election Entertainment remains a key piece within the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.