Paul Before Felix

Paul Before Felix by William Hogarth, created in 1752, is a masterwork of 18th-century graphic satire and technical execution. Classified as a print, the work utilizes the complex dual medium of etching and engraving, showcasing the artist’s mastery of line work and tonal depth. This particular impression is recognized as the third and final state of the composition.

The subject is drawn from the New Testament (Acts 24), depicting the Apostle Saint Paul, standing shackled, as he addresses the Roman procurator Antonius Felix in Caesarea. While the narrative centers on Paul’s defense against accusations of sedition, Hogarth uses the crowded Roman setting to subtly critique the political and judicial systems of his own time. The composition is filled with various Men and Women, whose poses and expressions underscore the tension and absurdity of the proceedings, a hallmark of Hogarth’s approach to history painting.

Hogarth achieved widespread fame through his ability to distribute such prints, making social commentary accessible to a broad English audience. The detail visible in the costumes and architectural elements grounds the biblical scene in a theatrical, yet contemporary, visual idiom. The work remains a key example of the artist’s mature printmaking style and is a valuable inclusion in the historical collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As this piece is now in the public domain, the legacy of Paul Before Felix and other Hogarth prints continues to influence studies in 18th-century art and caricature.