Hudibras in Tribulation (Twelve Large Illustrations for Saumel Butler's Hudibras, Plate 6)

Hudibras in Tribulation (Twelve Large Illustrations for Saumel Butler's Hudibras, Plate 6) is a biting satirical print created by William Hogarth between 1725 and 1726. This piece serves as the sixth plate in a series illustrating the celebrated 17th-century narrative poem Hudibras by Samuel Butler, a Royalist parody targeting Puritan hypocrisy.

The print is the product of etching and engraving, a complex combination of techniques typical of the finest 18th-century satirical illustrations. This impression specifically represents the second state of three, highlighting developmental changes Hogarth made to the plate before the entire series was finalized and published. The work showcases Hogarth's early talent for detailed narrative scenes, which would become the hallmark of his later “modern moral subjects.”

The composition captures a dramatic moment of humiliation for the protagonist, the foolish knight Sir Hudibras. Hogarth fills the frame with a chaotic array of figures, depicting a public spectacle that underscores the knight’s misfortune. The scene is densely populated by several men engaged in the confrontation, either tormenting Hudibras or observing the chaos. Furthermore, the action is animated by numerous women and various boys, all contributing to the general disorder and mocking atmosphere.

As one of the significant early prints from his career, this piece demonstrates the artist’s sharp eye for detailing contemporary life and societal folly through visual illustration. Held within the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Hudibras in Tribulation provides critical insight into 18th-century English visual satire. Given the historical significance of the print series, high-quality images of this work are frequently made available through public domain initiatives.