The Times, Plate 2

The Times, Plate 2 by William Hogarth is a powerful etching and engraving created in 1790. This specific impression represents the fourth and final state of the print, showcasing the culmination of Hogarth's intricate work on the copper plate. A celebrated example of Georgian-era prints, the work is foremost a political and social satire, reflecting the charged atmosphere of late 18th-century London.

Hogarth utilized his mastery of graphic arts, employing both etching for initial lines and engraving for detailed tonal work, to disseminate his pointed visual commentary widely. The image presents a chaotic urban environment, characteristic of the artist's narrative style. The composition teems with dramatic activity, depicting a scene of public disorder where agitated Men and Women react to an unseen calamity. Even the Dogs featured in the piece appear unsettled, reinforcing the pervasive sense of alarm and confusion Hogarth sought to critique. This piece functions as a sharp commentary on contemporary political mismanagement and the volatile nature of the public sphere.

As a key visual document of British satire, the work remains an essential object for studying socio-political history. This impression of the final state etching is classified as a print and is currently held within the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of its age and profound cultural importance, such historical prints by Hogarth frequently fall within the public domain, ensuring that his biting observations remain accessible to scholars and the general public.