The Five Orders of Periwigs

"The Five Orders of Periwigs," created by William Hogarth in 1761, is a masterful example of 18th-century social satire rendered through the medium of etching. This impression represents the second state of two, showcasing Hogarth's intricate line work and sophisticated use of the printing process to achieve detailed textural effects. Hogarth utilized this readily reproducible print format widely to disseminate his moralizing and humorous criticisms of contemporary London society, particularly addressing the vanity and pretension of the fashionable elite.

The work specifically ridicules the obsession with highly structured, excessive head coverings prevalent in British fashion. Hogarth parodies classical architectural rules, developed by figures like Palladio, by equating various complex periwigs-from the relatively simple 'Episcopal' styles to the highly elaborate 'Cornithian' and 'Composite' orders-with the established architectural canons. By focusing intensely on detailed profiles and exaggerated heads, the piece critiques the physical absurdity and financial cost associated with these fashions. While the primary targets of the satire were often men in power, Hogarth’s critique encompasses the broader culture of excessive ornamentation, including the tall, structured hairstyles worn by some women of the period, whose profiles often dictated the structure of the tête or commode styles.

This highly influential print is classified as one of Hogarth’s greatest satirical works and remains widely reproduced today. As part of the prestigious collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Five Orders of Periwigs illustrates the artist’s unique ability to blend high art references with popular social critique. Due to the age of the original plates, high-quality prints and related reproductions are frequently found available through public domain collections, ensuring the enduring accessibility of Hogarth's commentary on 18th-century vanity.