The New Metamorphosis: Frontispiece, Vol.1

The New Metamorphosis: Frontispiece, Vol.1, created by William Hogarth between 1723 and 1724, is an essential early example of the artist’s foundational skill in visual satire. This powerful print was executed using the combined techniques of etching and engraving, a common and highly effective method for producing detailed imagery in 18th-century British printmaking. Classified as the second and final state of the plate, the frontispiece served as a dramatic introductory visual for a text, likely commenting on contemporary intellectual or social absurdity.

Hogarth uses grotesque, chaotic imagery to illustrate a highly metaphorical interpretation of "metamorphosis." The busy composition is densely populated by Human Figures undergoing bizarre and often humiliating transformations, blending the human form with characteristics of various Animals. The scene incorporates mythological elements, particularly the inclusion of Satyrs, whose lewd, half-human, half-beast nature underscores the print’s theme of degeneration and low comedy. This visual complexity reflects the artist’s developing graphic language, through which he lampooned the perceived vanity, foolishness, and moral failings of Georgian society.

This piece is significant for understanding the roots of Hogarth’s later, famed narrative series. The work showcases the robust tradition of satirical prints in early 18th-century England, a format that made complex social commentary widely accessible. The work resides today in the distinguished collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of their age and cultural significance, important historical prints such as this are often moved into the public domain, ensuring scholars and enthusiasts around the globe retain access to Hogarth's pioneering contributions to visual storytelling.