Cassandra, Frontispiece, Vol. 4

Cassandra, Frontispiece, Vol. 4, created by William Hogarth in 1725, is a significant early example of the artist's graphic production, demonstrating the technical skill necessary for 18th-century printmaking. Classified as a print, the work meticulously utilizes the combined techniques of etching and engraving on a copper plate, allowing for both the freedom of etched line and the depth of engraved tones. This piece served a functional role as the visual introduction or frontispiece to the fourth volume of a contemporary publication, suggesting an underlying narrative connection to classical mythology, particularly the tragic figure of Cassandra, the prophetess whose warnings were always disregarded.

The composition adheres to the narrative complexity often favored by Hogarth, presenting a densely populated scene filled with contextual details. The viewer observes multiple groups of men and women interacting, perhaps illustrating the chaotic reception of a prophecy or news. The scene is charged by the presence of soldiers, highlighting themes of conflict, authority, or dramatic tension typical of the Georgian era. These figures are set within a defined outdoor space, marked by clearly delineated trees that frame the action. This early work helps trace Hogarth’s development as a master satirist and graphic artist before the production of his famous moralizing series. The importance of Cassandra, Frontispiece, Vol. 4 is recognized by its inclusion in the collection of prints at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Due to its age and historical stature, this striking 18th-century print is widely available in the public domain, making high-resolution reproductions accessible for scholarly study and general appreciation of Hogarth’s formative period.