Taking Away the Military Belt or Girdle (John Beaver, Roman Military Punishments, 1725)

Taking Away the Military Belt or Girdle (John Beaver, Roman Military Punishments, 1725) is a striking historical etching created by William Hogarth, dating from the period 1725-1779. This powerful print, part of a series illustrating Roman Military Punishments, resides in the respected collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As an etching, the medium allows Hogarth to achieve precise delineation and stark contrasts, vital for conveying the severity of the depicted disciplinary action.

The composition centers on the moment of extreme degradation: the formal removal of the military belt or girdle. This article of military clothing was essential to a Roman soldier’s identity and status; its forcible taking away constituted a profound humiliation and severe non-capital punishment. The figures of several men are engaged in the act, surrounded by the functional architecture of a military encampment. Tents defining the castra environment are visible in the background, providing immediate context for the proceedings.

While Hogarth is most renowned for his biting social satires, this work demonstrates his capacity for rendering historical narratives and classical scholarship. The careful integration of descriptive elements, including specific military uniforms and the presence of small details like birds in the scene, lends historical veracity to the print. Taking Away the Military Belt or Girdle is an important example of 18th-century illustration focused on ancient law and military discipline, preserved as a significant print in The Met’s public domain archives.