The Times, Plate 1 by William Hogarth, created in 1762, is a highly significant work executed using the demanding technique of etching and engraving. Classified as the third and final state of three, this print emerged during a notably volatile political period, allowing Hogarth to employ his signature visual satire to comment sharply on contemporary social and governmental crises.
The dense composition is dominated by scenes of disorder and impending disaster. Hogarth depicts monumental buildings on fire, requiring the intense and concerted efforts of a large crowd. The figures are engaged in frantic working activity as they battle to suppress the widespread fires that threaten the entire urban structure. These destructive fires often served as a powerful political metaphor in Hogarth’s work, symbolizing a nation dangerously divided or mismanaged by conflicting political factions of the day.
Hogarth’s intricate detailing and sharp political commentary make this print a cornerstone of 18th-century British graphic satire. This important impression is preserved in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, reflecting the institution's commitment to historical prints. As this influential etching and engraving is now considered part of the historical record, high-quality images of the work are widely available through public domain collections, ensuring its accessibility for study and appreciation.
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