Morning, plate one from The Four Times of the Day

Morning, plate one from The Four Times of the Day by William Hogarth English, 1697-1764, is a pivotal example of 18th-century English satirical prints. Executed in 1738, this work utilizes the demanding techniques of etching and engraving to render intricate detail in black ink on ivory laid paper. As the initial plate in a four-part series depicting daily urban life, Morning establishes Hogarth's commitment to social commentary and moral critique.

Hogarth (1697-1764) was renowned for transforming the moralizing narrative into accessible visual dramas. This print often portrays a cold, early winter scene in Covent Garden, highlighting the contrasting figures of piety and dissipation beginning their day. The composition sharply defines the social strata of contemporary London by contrasting the virtuous-but-miserable old maid attending early mass with the raucous crowd leaving a tavern or coffee house. Through this visual juxtaposition, Hogarth exposes the hypocrisy and shifting values of the nascent Georgian era.

The meticulous black-on-ivory application underscores the precision necessary for these complex prints. As a crucial figure in the history of British art, Hogarth’s detailed observation of life in England provided a template for subsequent generations of satirists and graphic artists. This significant work belongs to the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a primary source document for 18th-century English culture. Due to its age and cultural impact, high-resolution reproductions of this print are often made available through public domain initiatives.