Cassandra, Frontispiece, Vol. 5

Cassandra, Frontispiece, Vol. 5 by William Hogarth, created in 1725, is a meticulously rendered early work executed using the combined printmaking techniques of etching and engraving. Classified as a frontispiece, this piece functioned as an illustrative introduction to the fifth volume of a larger publication, placing it firmly within the tradition of eighteenth-century literary illustration.

This print predates the famous satirical series for which Hogarth would become known, reflecting his established role as a highly skilled commercial engraver producing detailed images for London booksellers. The technical precision required for both etching and copperplate engraving ensures the clarity and depth of line necessary for effective book reproductions of the Georgian era.

The subject matter relates to the mythological figure of Cassandra, the Trojan priestess cursed to utter prophecies that no one believed. The detailed composition likely depicts a dramatic narrative scene involving specific groups of men and women interacting under intense circumstances. Given the context of classical tragedy often associated with Cassandra, the integration of weaponry in the composition may signal impending conflict or unavoidable violence relevant to the literary text it prefaces.

This key example of early English printmaking is maintained in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work provides valuable insight into Hogarth’s technical mastery before he began to focus primarily on independent narrative prints. As this historical artwork is often categorized within the public domain, high-quality reference images and prints are widely accessible for researchers and enthusiasts studying the evolution of satirical and narrative prints in the 18th century.