Noon, Plate Two from The Four Times of Day

Noon, Plate Two from The Four Times of Day by William Hogarth English, 1697-1764, is a pivotal example of 18th-century English satirical art. Dated 1738, the work was executed using etching and engraving in black on cream laid paper, showcasing Hogarth’s technical mastery in producing detailed prints intended for mass consumption. This piece is the second plate in Hogarth’s influential series illustrating the daily rhythms and societal contrasts found within the bustling urban life of 1730s England.

The composition vividly captures the chaotic, high energy associated with the middle of the day in London. Consistent with Hogarth’s style, the print contrasts figures adhering to refined, often French-influenced, fashion with those engaged in more rough-and-tumble street activities, highlighting his subtle critique of contemporary moral and social failings. These narrative prints function both as popular entertainment and serious social commentary on the rapidly changing manners of the Georgian era.

As one of the most celebrated satirists of his time, 1697-1764 used the print medium to reach a broad audience, ensuring his biting humor and detailed observations of London society remained widely accessible. The success of works like Noon, Plate Two established his lasting reputation as a master chronicler of England. This important example of his graphic output is housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Given the age and historical significance of the piece, the original work is often now available to scholars and the general public through public domain archives.