Satire and Morality in 18th-Century Art and Literature: A Visual Journey with William Hogarth
Stage Art
Literature from the 18th and 19th Centuries
Literature from this era was often moralizing, aiming to teach lessons, a characteristic typical of the Enlightenment. Literature was believed to have two components: utile et dulce (useful and sweet), as Horace suggested. It becomes “dulce” through the use of illustrations.
Literature of this time often presented two opposing examples: the good (God) and the bad (Devil). For instance, Thackeray’s “Vanity Fair” exemplifies this. Novels were often published in installments in magazines, as seen with “Oliver Twist” and “The Adventure of the Dancing Men.” Illustrations played a crucial role in making books more engaging and enjoyable. Victorian literature, in particular, employed moralizing to encourage prudence.
“Vanity Fair” features two contrasting women. The author himself produced the illustrations. Life is depicted as full of decisions, and the cover art reflects this with an image of someone looking in the mirror. As the saying goes, “The text says nothing if an illustration does not capture it.”
The Use of Irony in Art
Irony is a crucial element in art. When we analyze a work of art, we should always consider the presence of irony. Even if it’s not immediately apparent, we should be prepared to find it. Key features of a work of art include the creative process, the presence of irony, and the emphasis on the relationship between fiction and reality.
The Garden of Earthly Delights (El Bosco)
This oil painting by Hieronymus Bosch, also known as “El Bosco,” is a triptych that depicts different stages of existence:
- Left Panel: The creation of Adam and Eve.
- Central Panel: A representation of society, featuring nude figures and oversized fruits.
- Right Panel: A portrayal of hell and the torments of damnation.
Literature and Painting in the 18th Century
The Augustan Age (1701-1755)
The Augustan Age in English literature drew parallels with ancient Rome, which itself imitated the Greeks. This Neoclassical period emphasized reason and order. Science, particularly Isaac Newton’s work on tides, attempted to understand and quantify natural forces. Man was considered primarily a rational being.
Key Principles of the Augustan Age:
- Predominance of Reason: Reason was paramount, influencing literary composition, criticism, social behavior, and art.
- Empiricism: Knowledge was believed to stem from observation, measurement, and the analysis of phenomena.
- Universal Laws: The belief in universal laws governing various aspects of life.
- Education of the Individual: Humanism and the idea of the individual as a “tabula rasa” (blank slate) at birth were central themes.
Augustan writers were often realistic in their portrayals of society and human nature. Satire was a prominent genre, reflecting the social and political critiques of the time. The emphasis on man as a social being led to explorations of the individual versus society.
William Hogarth (1697-1764) and Augustan Art
William Hogarth, a prominent artist of the Augustan Age, embodied the key characteristics of the period in his works. His art reflects the emphasis on reason, realism, and satire. Hogarth’s paintings often served as moral allegories, critiquing the vices and follies of his time.
Satirical Allegories in Hogarth’s Work:
- “South Sea Scheme”: This painting depicts the chaos and anarchy surrounding the South Sea Bubble, a financial crisis. Hogarth uses exaggerated characters and situations to critique speculation and greed.
- “The Bully”: This work satirizes arrogance and the abuse of power.
Hogarth’s satirical works, like Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels” and Henry Fielding’s “Shamela,” used humor and exaggeration to expose societal flaws.
Realistic Scenes in Hogarth’s Art:
- “The Sleeping Congregation”: This painting critiques the hypocrisy of the Church of England by depicting a congregation asleep during a sermon.
- “The Enthusiasm Depicted”: This work satirizes religious fanaticism and the rejection of other cultures.
Moralizing Scenes in Hogarth’s Art:
- “The Harlot’s Progress”: This series of paintings follows the downfall of a young woman who becomes a prostitute, highlighting the consequences of immorality.
- “The Rake’s Progress”: This series depicts the reckless life of a young man who inherits a fortune and squanders it on a life of pleasure, ultimately facing ruin.
Characteristics of Hogarth’s Art:
- Realism: Hogarth’s paintings offer detailed and realistic depictions of 18th-century life.
- Satire: He uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to critique social ills and human behavior.
- Moralizing: His works often convey moral messages, warning against vice and promoting virtue.
- French Influence: Hogarth incorporated elements of French art, such as the use of serpentine lines and mythological scenes.
Notable Works by Hogarth:
- “Beldam’s Asylum”: This painting depicts the final stages of syphilis, a devastating disease of the time, and critiques the treatment of the mentally ill.
- “The Four Times of Day”: This series of paintings captures scenes from daily life in London, highlighting the contrasts between social classes and the passage of time.
- “La Levée”: This work offers a glimpse into the world of the aristocracy, depicting a morning ritual and hinting at infidelity and its consequences.
- “Industry and Idleness”: This series contrasts the paths of two apprentices, one hardworking and the other idle, emphasizing the importance of hard work and moral conduct.
William Hogarth’s art provides a fascinating window into the social, cultural, and moral landscape of 18th-century England. His works, rich in detail, satire, and moral commentary, continue to resonate with audiences today, offering insights into human nature and the enduring power of visual storytelling.