Burning the Rumps at Temple Bar (Twelve Large Illustrations for Samuel Butler's Hudibras, Plate 11)

Burning the Rumps at Temple Bar (Twelve Large Illustrations for Samuel Butler's Hudibras, Plate 11) is a sophisticated engraving executed by William Hogarth, created during the lengthy period between 1725 and 1768. This work represents the eleventh plate in a series of illustrations commissioned for the popular satirical poem Hudibras by Samuel Butler, a narrative that lampooned religious hypocrisy and political division during the 17th century. The complex layering of meaning and sharp social commentary are hallmarks of Hogarth’s contribution to British printmaking.

The scene unfolds amidst the urban architecture of London near the historic Temple Bar, which served as a ceremonial gateway. The dramatic focus is centered on a gathering of men participating in a political demonstration, illuminated by a ferocious bonfire (integrating the "Fire" tag). The subject of the satirical display is the "Burning the Rumps," a clear reference to the 17th-century Rump Parliament that survived the purge of 1648. Hogarth captures the fervor of the crowd, using the stark contrasts achievable through the engraving medium to highlight individual figures and their varied reactions to the political spectacle.

The composition reveals Hogarth's rigorous attention to detail and his dedication to the medium. This particular piece is identified as the fourth and final state of the print, reflecting the artist’s continuous refinement over several decades. Such prints were highly sought-after commercial items, allowing wide distribution of the artist’s social and political critiques. As a crucial element in the Hogarthian oeuvre, this detailed study of historical political satire is classified as a print within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, preserving an important record of 18th-century British public domain works.