The Committee (Twelve Large Illustrations for Samuel Butler's Hudbras, Plate 10)

"The Committee (Twelve Large Illustrations for Samuel Butler's Hudbras, Plate 10)" by William Hogarth is a foundational example of 18th-century English satirical prints. Executed primarily through the precise techniques of etching and engraving, this impression is identified specifically as the fourth state out of five, reflecting Hogarth's careful refinement and adjustments made throughout the printing process between 1725 and 1768. This plate forms part of a celebrated series illustrating Samuel Butler’s lengthy satirical poem, Hudibras (first published 1663-1678), which ruthlessly lampooned the religious fanaticism and political hypocrisy prevalent during the English Civil War era. Hogarth’s choice to illustrate this specific text underscored his own commitment to using visual arts for sharp moral and political commentary directed at contemporary society.

This highly detailed print depicts a scene of intense bureaucratic confusion. Numerous men, dressed in formal attire, are clustered around large tables laden with papers, emphasizing the often convoluted and ineffective structure of the judicial or governing bodies Hogarth sought to criticize. The arrangement of the chairs and the exaggerated gestures of the figures highlight the absurd posturing often associated with such committees. Hogarth, renowned for his ability to translate societal critique into visual form, often employed the medium of prints because it allowed for wide distribution and accessibility to the general public. This satirical piece is part of the extensive collection held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of the age and enduring artistic significance of works by masters like Hogarth, many of these historical prints are now considered part of the public domain, allowing institutions worldwide to reference the masterful technique evident in pieces like The Committee.