Hudibras and Sidrophel, plate eight from Hudibras

Hudibras and Sidrophel, plate eight from Hudibras, is a pivotal early print by William Hogarth English, 1697-1764, dating from 1725-1726. This classification of the work as a print highlights Hogarth's mastery of etching and engraving, executed here in black ink on cream paper. The complexity of the detailed scenes, typical of the artist's narrative style, required intricate line work inherent to the engraving process. The original sheet is further mounted on cream wove paper for preservation.

The subject draws directly from Samuel Butler's influential satirical poem, Hudibras (1663). Hogarth created these images early in his career to illustrate a major literary text that critiques religious and political fanaticism in 17th-century England. Hudibras and Sidrophel specifically captures the farcical confrontation between the rigid Presbyterian knight, Sir Hudibras, and the charlatan astrologer, Sidrophel. The composition blends high literary adaptation with observational satire, typical of 18th-century English visual culture.

As a defining figure in English graphic arts, Hogarth utilized the medium of prints to reach a wide audience, making works like this highly accessible and influential. The survival of such detailed examples allows researchers to study the technical evolution of printmaking during this period. This particular piece resides in the Art Institute of Chicago's permanent collection, ensuring its availability for public study. Due to its age and significance, high-resolution images of these satirical masterworks are often found in the public domain, continuing the wide dissemination Hogarth originally intended.