Cassandra, Frontispiece, Vol. 1

Cassandra, Frontispiece, Vol. 1 by William Hogarth, created in 1725, is an early and technically accomplished example of the artist’s work in book illustration. Executed using a combination of etching and engraving, this print demonstrates the precision required for reproductive imagery intended for mass circulation in the 18th century. The dual medium allowed Hogarth to achieve both the expressive freedom of etching and the rich, dark lines characteristic of engraving, ensuring clarity when printed.

The subject matter relates directly to the mythological or dramatic narrative contained within the volume it introduced. Typical of illustrations from this period, the scene captures a moment of high drama, centered around the titular character, the prophetess Cassandra. While her desperate figure is paramount, the composition incorporates important narrative details, notably the inclusion of men engaged in urgent action. These male figures, perhaps soldiers or abductors, contribute significantly to the dynamic tension of the scene. Furthermore, the presence of powerful horses anchors the illustration to themes of war, consequence, and classical epic, reinforcing the grand scale of the illustrated narrative.

Dating from the commencement of Hogarth’s long career, this piece highlights the vital role that commercial prints played in disseminating both literature and emerging artistic talent in Georgian London. As an illustration, Cassandra, Frontispiece, Vol. 1 showcases the technical foundation that would inform the artist's later, more famous moral series. The work resides within the extensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is preserved as an important historical example of British printmaking and early book plate design.