Hudibras Catechized, plate nine from Hudibras

Hudibras Catechized, plate nine from Hudibras by William Hogarth English, 1697-1764, is a defining example of early 18th-century social satire in England. Created between 1725 and 1726, this print utilizes etching and engraving in black on cream paper, a technique that allowed for the rapid dissemination of visual critiques to a wide audience. This work is part of a larger series illustrating Samuel Butler’s famous narrative poem, Hudibras, which satirized Puritan hypocrisy and political fervor following the English Civil War.

Hogarth's approach transformed narrative literature into biting visual commentary, utilizing detailed draftsmanship characteristic of English prints of the period. The careful combination of etching and engraving provides rich tonal variety and narrative clarity, essential for conveying the humor and irony of Butler’s text to a broad, literate audience. The success of the Hudibras series established Hogarth as a leading graphic satirist, setting the stage for his later, more independent works known as "modern moral subjects." The artist meticulously captured the atmosphere of 18th-century England through his precise printmaking.

This particular print, illustrating a key moment in Butler’s text, demonstrates Hogarth’s early mastery of sequential visual storytelling. As a printmaker, Hogarth ensured his works reached a broad public, making many of his social commentaries, including the series concerning Hudibras, frequently referenced and later available through public domain collections worldwide. This piece is classified as a print and currently resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.