Paul Before Felix

Paul Before Felix by William Hogarth, created in 1752, is a potent example of the artist's narrative prints, blending classical subject matter with sharp contemporary social critique. This work, classified as a print, utilizes the demanding combined techniques of etching and engraving, resulting in an image known for its precise lines and dramatic contrasts. The composition illustrates the New Testament scene where Saint Paul defends his faith before the Roman procurator Antonius Felix and his wife Drusilla, as documented in the Book of Acts.

Hogarth interprets this scriptural defense not as a solely religious moment, but as a judicial farce, using the figures of the Roman officials and attendant men and women to satirize the perceived corruption and moral posturing of 18th-century English society. Hogarth focuses heavily on body language and facial expressions; Felix is depicted as startled or uneasy by Paul’s moral fervor, while other figures display varying degrees of indifference or self-interest. The use of etching allowed the artist to capture intricate details in the clothing and architectural setting, emphasizing the weighty seriousness of the legal proceeding despite the implied mockery.

This specific impression of the artwork is the third state of three, signifying the artist’s final set of revisions before wide publication. As a significant example of British satirical prints, the work profoundly influenced subsequent generations of engravers and illustrators. This masterwork is part of the extensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Due to its age and historical importance, this influential artwork is frequently found within the public domain, making high-resolution prints accessible for scholarly review.