Hudibras and the Lawyer (Twelve Large Illustrations for Samuel Butler's Hudibras, Plate 12)

Hudibras and the Lawyer (Twelve Large Illustrations for Samuel Butler's Hudibras, Plate 12) is a definitive satirical print created by William Hogarth, illustrating a key moment from Samuel Butler's celebrated 17th-century narrative poem. Executed using the precise and nuanced techniques of etching and engraving, the development and subsequent states of this plate spanned several decades, ranging from initial production in 1725 to final revisions as late as 1768. This long creative period reflects Hogarth's commitment to realizing the full scope of Butler’s complex satirical vision in visual form.

The version of the print residing in The Metropolitan Museum of Art collection is classified as a later impression, categorized by experts as either the third state of three or the fourth state of four, depending on the referencing Paulson catalog. This work showcases Hogarth's sophisticated mastery of the medium, utilizing dense line work to establish texture and dramatic shadow, characteristics essential to the 18th-century English print tradition.

The scene unfolds within a tightly rendered interior, emphasizing the chaos and procedural absurdity associated with the Law. The composition features the protagonist, Hudibras, consulting the titular lawyer, surrounded by stacks of Books and legal documents. Hogarth includes various supporting figures—men, women, and even a small dog—all contributing to the visual commentary on contemporary life. Through this detailed illustration, Hogarth successfully translates the biting wit of Butler’s poem into a visual satire that skewered both political hypocrisy and judicial folly. This important Hogarth print serves as a crucial document in the history of graphic satire.