The New Metamorphosis, Plate 4: Invidiosa Releases Fantasio is an early satirical work by William Hogarth, executed circa 1723-1724. This piece is classified as a print, utilizing the demanding techniques of etching and engraving common for reproductive and illustrative materials of the period. As the fourth plate in a sequential series, this image satirizes contemporary social norms and morality, likely drawing inspiration from classical or literary sources popular in early 18th-century London.
The dramatic scene centers on the confrontation implied by the title, primarily featuring women manipulating the fate of the central male character, Fantasio. Hogarth’s composition is highly detailed, demonstrating his developing skill in rendering dynamic figures and theatrical environments, capturing the emotional intensity of the moment of release. The figures of the girls, men, and women involved in the action are delineated with the expressive linear quality afforded by the medium.
As an early master of English satirical prints, Hogarth's ability to combine narrative complexity with visual satire allowed his works to circulate widely, often reaching a broad public domain audience during the 18th century and beyond. The success of such sequential prints cemented the artist’s reputation as a keen visual commentator on social injustice and human folly. This important piece remains a key document of Hogarth's nascent career and is held in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
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