Key with List of Performers to: The Indian Emperor, or, The Conquest of Mexico, Act 4, scene 4

Key with List of Performers to: The Indian Emperor, or, The Conquest of Mexico, Act 4, scene 4 by William Hogarth is a detailed graphic work created using the medium of etching and engraving in 1791. Though created well into the late 18th century, this print exemplifies the biting social satire and narrative complexity for which Hogarth is best known. The precise execution of the engraving lines and the careful calibration of tones are hallmarks of the prints distributed widely during this period.

The subject matter references John Dryden's 1665 Restoration tragedy, The Indian Emperor, which explores the colonization of Mexico. The title suggests the work functions as a literal index or key to the performers or characters involved in the theatrical production. Within the scene, the artist captures a multitude of figures including both Men and Women engaged in lively action, centered around a moment of revelry or stylized Dancing. Hogarth utilizes this specific theatrical context to comment on the broader social and cultural preoccupations of 18th-century London, turning the stage into a mirror for society’s follies.

This particular impression resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, adding to its extensive holdings of European prints. The enduring historical importance of Hogarth's work, which often blends high art concepts with populist, accessible subjects, cemented his status as a master of visual narrative. As these historical prints are frequently categorized within the public domain, they remain easily accessible for scholarly study and continued public appreciation globally, demonstrating Hogarth's lasting influence on visual satire.