Cunicularii, or the Wise Men of Godlimon in Consultation

Cunicularii, or the Wise Men of Godlimon in Consultation, created by William Hogarth in 1726, is a sophisticated example of early 18th-century British printmaking and social satire. Executed using the complementary techniques of etching and engraving, this piece represents the only known state of the image. Hogarth’s masterful handling of the copper plate results in sharp lines and varied textures, typical of the high-quality prints produced during this early phase of his career.

The subject matter is a biting commentary on contemporary pseudo-scientific folly, a favored theme for the artist. The title references the popular Rabbit Woman hoax of 1726, where Mary Toft allegedly gave birth to numerous rabbits. The composition depicts a serious consultation among figures attempting to validate this extraordinary claim. A group of learned men are gathered, their solemn, academic demeanor juxtaposed against the absurd premise of the consultation. Hogarth uses details involving animals and the placement of women within the scene to underscore the satire of gullibility in the educated class.

As a pivotal work of graphic satire, the piece reflects Hogarth’s early development as an independent artist and social critic before the production of his famous series, such as A Harlot's Progress. This important print is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as a key reference point for scholars studying 18th-century British art and cultural history. Due to its age and historical importance, high-resolution images of this work are often found in the public domain for academic use, preserving access to one of Hogarth’s formative satirical prints.