Hudibras Triumphant (Twelve Large Illustrations for Samuel Butler's Hudibras, Plate 4)

"Hudibras Triumphant (Twelve Large Illustrations for Samuel Butler's Hudibras, Plate 4)" by William Hogarth is an important example of 18th-century English printmaking. Executed primarily in etching and engraving, this impression represents the highly refined third state of three, reflecting the artist's dedication to perfecting the plate over many years between 1725 and 1768. The work is part of a celebrated series illustrating Samuel Butler’s famous satirical poem Hudibras, which targets the hypocrisy of Puritan ideology during the Restoration period.

The plate captures the chaotic aftermath of a battle involving the titular character, depicting a boisterous and slightly absurd triumphant procession characteristic of Hogarth's satirical style. Central to the composition is the figure of Hudibras, likely mounted precariously upon one of the Horses, surrounded by a dense, raucous crowd of Men and Women. The scene is rich with comedic detail that underscores the mocking nature of the celebration; the presence of Violins and other rough music suggests a low-brow revelry, subverting the traditional iconography of military victory.

As a highly detailed narrative print, the work demonstrates Hogarth's skill in combining sharp social observation with technical mastery of the copper plate medium. This piece serves as a visual commentary on political folly and human vanity, a theme central to the artist’s prolific graphic output. Acquired through a combination of gift and purchase, this significant artwork is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it represents a key moment in the history of prints and British visual culture.