The Committee, plate ten from Hudibras

The Committee, plate ten from Hudibras by William Hogarth English, 1697-1764, is a pivotal example of 18th-century English satirical printmaking. Created between 1725 and 1726, this piece utilizes the intricate techniques of etching and engraving, rendered in black ink on cream paper. Hogarth produced this image as part of a highly successful series illustrating Samuel Butler’s famous mock-heroic poem, Hudibras (1663). Butler’s work offered biting political and religious satire, primarily targeting the perceived hypocrisy and bureaucratic zeal of the Puritan factions during the English Civil War era.

Hogarth’s early mastery is evident in the detailed draftsmanship of this image, which translates Butler’s complex literary narratives into vivid visual commentaries. This specific print depicts a scene of intense deliberation, likely mocking the procedural absurdity of governmental or judicial "committees" of the period, a recurring theme in the poem. The high demand for these illustrative prints solidified Hogarth’s reputation as a critical master of narrative satire in England. Unlike fine art paintings restricted to elite collections, the mass reproducibility of such works broadened their cultural impact, helping to define the visual culture of the early Georgian period. This significant piece representing Hogarth's engagement with English literature and societal critique is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a historic work of art, this plate is often included in public domain initiatives, ensuring its wide accessibility for scholarly study and public appreciation.