The Company of Undertakers

The Company of Undertakers is a seminal engraving created by William Hogarth between 1736 and 1750. This influential satirical print, executed using the demanding technique of engraving, reflects the artist’s sharp criticism of contemporary society, particularly targeting the vanity and incompetence of the medical profession in London.

The work takes the form of a fictional coat of arms for a supposed society dedicated to profiting from death, featuring grotesque and absurd symbols that fuse medical implements with funerary emblems. The piece showcases a gathering of men—presumably physicians, quacks, and apothecaries—whose solemn yet self-important expressions underline Hogarth’s commentary on professional integrity. By mocking those who benefit directly from sickness and death, Hogarth continued his tradition of using visual satire to expose the hypocrisies of 18th-century commerce and elitism.

Hogarth was renowned for utilizing the medium of prints to disseminate his moral narratives widely among the public. Unlike traditional fine art, these high-quality engravings, often published in sets, allowed his pointed social observations to reach a broad audience. The execution of The Company of Undertakers demonstrates his mastery of detailed line work and composition, essential requirements for effective graphic prints designed for mass distribution.

This important historical print resides in the distinguished collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, preserving its cultural significance. As a widely recognized work from the period, the original image and high-resolution reproductions are frequently available for study through digitized public domain resources, ensuring the continued appreciation of Hogarth's profound and often acerbic influence on satirical art.