Charles XII at Bender (Aubry de La Mottraye's "Travels throughout Europe, Asia and into Part of Africa...," London, 1724, vol. II, pl. 30)

Charles XII at Bender (Aubry de La Mottraye's "Travels throughout Europe, Asia and into Part of Africa...," London, 1724, vol. II, pl. 30) is an early print by William Hogarth, created between 1723 and 1724. This historical illustration, executed in the demanding medium of etching and engraving, represents the first state of two known impressions. The print served as a commissioned illustration for Aubry de La Mottraye’s comprehensive 1724 travelogue, detailing his experiences across three continents. The scene depicts the Swedish monarch, Charles XII, during his controversial five-year stay in Ottoman territory near Tighina (Bender), following his defeat by the Russians in 1709.

The detailed composition focuses on a grouping of men, including the king, engaged in activity that highlights the unusual and sometimes chaotic conditions of his protracted exile. While known primarily for his later satirical sequence paintings and independent prints, Hogarth initially built his reputation through meticulously produced book illustrations and commercial prints such as this one. The prominent inclusion of horses, often depicted in motion, suggests the military and highly mobile nature of the setting, underscoring Charles XII’s continuous efforts to restart conflict from the relative safety of Ottoman protection.

This early illustration print demonstrates the technical skill Hogarth quickly mastered in depicting historical events. The work is part of the distinguished print collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As an important example of 18th-century British prints illustrating a pivotal moment in European history, the image is frequently studied by scholars. Due to the age of this master print, similar versions are increasingly entering the public domain, making Hogarth's initial contributions to printmaking widely accessible for historical and artistic analysis.