Hudibras Catechized (Twelve Large Illustrations for Samuel Butler's Hudibras, Plate 9)

Hudibras Catechized (Twelve Large Illustrations for Samuel Butler's Hudibras, Plate 9) by William Hogarth is a powerful satirical print executed using the labor-intensive techniques of etching and engraving. Created during the period 1725-1768, this piece is one of twelve large illustrations Hogarth designed to accompany Samuel Butler’s famous Restoration-era poem, Hudibras. The original poem, a fierce literary satire, targeted the perceived hypocrisy, extremism, and political zealotry prevalent among the Puritans and Dissenters during the English Civil War era.

This particular print, identified technically as the third state of three, captures a moment of farcical discipline and public humiliation. Hogarth vividly depicts the protagonist being subjected to a rigorous questioning or censure, framed by a collection of figures including various men and women who participate in the scrutiny. The scene is typically crowded and complex, emphasizing the confusion and crudeness of the social dynamics Hogarth sought to expose. Note the prominence of elements like masks, suggesting deceit or the deliberate concealment of identity, furthering the commentary on societal artifice.

Hogarth masterfully employs visual caricature to underscore the themes of unjust punishment and flawed morality central to Butler's text. As one of the most widely circulated series of prints during the eighteenth century, Hogarth’s illustrations ensured the enduring popularity of Butler’s satire. Today, the work is classified as a print within the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Due to its historical significance and age, this masterwork is often made available within the public domain, allowing Hogarth’s scathing critique of contemporary life to reach global audiences.