Cassandra, Frontispiece, Vol. 2:

Cassandra, Frontispiece, Vol. 2: by William Hogarth, dating to 1725, is an exemplary early work executed through the precise methods of etching and engraving. As an emerging printmaker in 18th-century London, Hogarth utilized these combined techniques to create detailed, repeatable images suitable for mass publication, often serving as illustrations or decorative additions preceding a book’s main text.

This piece illustrates a dramatic narrative, highly likely referencing the classical myth of Cassandra, the Trojan prophetess cursed to foresee tragic events without ever being believed. The composition focuses on a central grouping of figures, effectively integrating the required subject matter. The dynamic poses of the women convey distress or prophetic frenzy, contrasted by the reactions of the surrounding men, who appear skeptical or unable to intervene. The scene is situated within a sylvan setting, indicated by the prominent trees that frame the action and establish a sense of antiquity or dramatic isolation.

Hogarth’s early mastery of illustrative printmaking is evident in the skillful rendering of emotional intensity and costume detail. While many of his later sequences, such as A Harlot's Progress, would achieve greater notoriety, these early prints established his reputation in the vibrant London art market. The finished work resides within the extensive prints collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of its historical context and the artist's foundational importance to British art, the Cassandra, Frontispiece, Vol. 2: print is often made available through public domain resources, ensuring continued access to Hogarth’s influential output.