The New Metamorphosis, Plate 5: Fantasio, Transformed into a Lapdog, in the with Donna Theresa

The New Metamorphosis, Plate 5: Fantasio, Transformed into a Lapdog, in the with Donna Theresa, created by William Hogarth between 1723 and 1724, is a significant early work demonstrating the artist's emerging mastery of satirical graphic arts. Executed using the technical complexity of etching and engraving, this print belongs to a multi-plate series commenting sharply on contemporary social absurdities, magic, and the frequently unequal power dynamics between men and women in early Georgian England.

The composition depicts an intimate bedroom scene centered on the female figure, Donna Theresa, who is shown reclining comfortably amidst luxurious furnishings. The narrative focuses on the transformation of the male character, Fantasio, who appears next to her as a diminutive lapdog. This metamorphosis acts as a potent satirical device, suggesting subservience, emasculation, or the diminished status of the lover in high society relationships. Hogarth uses the figure of the dog to cleverly subvert expectations regarding gender roles and human behavior, a frequent theme in his subsequent works.

As one of Hogarth’s early, rare prints, this piece provides crucial insight into the development of English satirical art. The artist frequently utilized the widespread and accessible nature of graphic prints to disseminate his social commentary across London society. The detailed rendering of the interior, characteristic of Hogarth's style, ensures that every object in the bedroom contributes to the overall narrative of vanity and frivolity. This piece, part of the The New Metamorphosis series, is classified as a print and remains an important holding within the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s extensive collection. Prints of this influential eighteenth-century artwork are frequently made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring its continued study by scholars globally.