Crucifixion, etc. (John Beaver, Roman Military Punishments, 1725)

The etching Crucifixion, etc. (John Beaver, Roman Military Punishments, 1725) by William Hogarth is a powerful eighteenth-century print addressing historical forms of extreme discipline. Created between 1725 and 1779, this work exemplifies Hogarth’s deep interest in social commentary, often utilizing historical or classical references to critique contemporary societal practices. As one of England’s most prolific satirists and graphic artists, Hogarth specialized in prints and etchings that ensured his detailed visual arguments reached a wide public audience, establishing him as a crucial figure in British art.

This particular print illustrates the severe nature of Roman military punishments, referencing historical accounts documented by John Beaver. The composition depicts various instances of men enduring brutal consequences, focusing specifically on the ultimate penalties of crucifixion. The horror of state-sanctioned violence is explicitly rendered, likely including scenes that reference the ad bestias punishment, where condemned individuals were exposed to lions or other wild animals. Hogarth’s treatment is stark and forensic, reflecting the systematic use of punishment by ancient authorities and prompting reflection on the institutional cruelty embedded within historical law.

Classified specifically as a print, this important historical and artistic document is held in the prestigious collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The accessibility of Hogarth's powerful graphic critiques, particularly through his affordable etchings, secured his widespread renown during his lifetime and continues to influence artists today. Many of the artist’s historically important prints, including this depiction of Roman discipline, are frequently available for study through public domain resources, ensuring continued scholarly engagement with Hogarth's enduring legacy of social observation.